Russian vs Minn. Hygienic bees

[1reb]

Russian vs Minn. Hygienic bees would one would be  better to have  and why ?

[randydrivesabus]

get one of each and see how they do where you keep them.

[1reb]

I really want to get two hive the same so I could rob from strong one to help the weak one
Johnny

[randydrivesabus]

you can still do that.

[charmd2]

I started this year with one of each.  They have behaved almost exactly the same.  the minnesota hygenic italians may build a little faster but not much. 

[poka-bee]

Don't know bout the Minn. H's but Russians typically overwinter w/smaller #'s = winter stores last longer than Italians.

Jody

[dpence]

I have had excellent luck with the Russians.  But I would definitely try both.   

David

[KONASDAD]

as a beginner I would use the MH. Italians are simply the most prevalent type of EHB, they are HUGE egg layers which can save a new beek after an accident or two, supercedures, adding or subtracting frames for other hives etc, and they are easier to maintain in the spring(less swarming). They do get more mites, need more stores for winter, but IMO easier to mainatin in the long run for a beginner. I am glad I started w/ MH's and not russians as the extra brood and eggs sure saved some of my hives a time or two..

[Brian D. Bray]

I've had both MH and Russians, still have the Russians.  The MH I had were prone to build loads of burr comb and were the hottest (relatively) bees in my yard.  They also built up a little faster initially but the Russians soon over took them.  If you want hygenic bees that are easy to keep go with the Russians.

[2-Wheeler]

I've never had Russians, but we added MH's with a new package in April of this year. That colony built up amazingly fast and have produced over 120 lbs of honey in their first season!  They are a bit "hotter" than my regular Italians, but not to be a problem.  I haven't had them through the winter yet, so can't comment on that.

[NasalSponge]

I think it is good to have some genetic diversity in the bee yard. I would get one of each.

[NWIN Beekeeper]

[I think it is good to have some genetic diversity in the bee yard. ]

The genetics of MH is recessive and therefor only lasts for a generation or two unless mating to MH drones.

Russian Hygienics however are an additive characteristic.
They may remain longer and have a greater chance to mate back to other hygienics.

However, you have to consider what is you want from your bees.
If you are trying to build your hive numbers, you'll appreciate MH better for the extra brood.
If you are just keeping two hives, you may appreciate that you feed less through the winter.

I run both (russians and VSH (From MH research)) and some feral stocks.
You learn to use your hives for the best characteristics they demonstrate.
But keep in mind, only an alive hives provide any characteristics so survival is key.

Also consider, a beekeepers results may speak more about their managment then the genetic line.

-Jeff