We like the Russians....

[dpence]

My wife and I pulled honey from one of our Russian hives yesterday afternoon.  They are the gentlest bees we have.  I am really pleased with the genetics.  Incidentally they were a new package this spring.  Really pleased with the honey production too.

David   

[Keith13]

I have Russians and some ferals as well. I to like my Russians they are usually pretty gentle they built up fast this spring and have produced a ton of honey. I am really happy with them.

Keith

[mlewis48]

  I have 5 Russian colonies, as well as Italian, Buckfast, German, NWC, and a few colonies of Ferrel's. Trying to find, the one that I like best . The Russians are fast to build up, not as aggressive as the Buckfast. You have to stay one-up on them or you will find them hanging from a tree and a paniced neighbor on the other end of the phone. When I start next years expansions, I think that Russians will make it in the top 2 for our choice to buy, Buckfast, will be at the bottom of the list.
                                           Good luck,
                                            Marc

[dpence]

We have Italians, Carniolans and Buckfast too.  I agree, we put the Russians right up there at the top.     

[rdy-b]

We have Italians, Carniolans and Buckfast too.  I agree, we put the Russians right up there at the top.     

where did you get the stock from :) RDY-B

[Pond Creek Farm]

I am curious about how quickly they built up.  Are they in deeps, mediums?  How many do they have drawn out?  I, also, would like to know where to get a couple packages of Russians.

[dpence]

They started on one deep with plasticell April 15th, I added the second deep the last of May.  I put the first medium super on mid June and have pulled fully capped honey this week.  All the frames (10) in the super were drawn out, a few not completely capped (3) I left them in the hive.   The packages came from Walter T. Kelly.   I will admit the hives are on a 40 acre farm with lots of nectar and pollen sources.

David     

[DennisB]

Way to go David. Even with all the rain they are still doing well! OUr Russians are doing fine as well. I agree, they are some of the most easy going of all of our hives.

Dennis

[dpence]

Thanks Dennis, I have some buckwheat blooming.  Not much but some.  I tilled up another strip this week and planted it, hopefully it isn't too late for it to bloom. 

David