I started with my first hive 5 years ago. I purchased it from an elderly member of our local Qld Sunshine Coast club when he retired. It was an amazing hive, gentle, calm, productive, prolific with solid sheets of capped brood. I could work the hive without smoke. If I lifted the lid they would continue working quietly away. It even took six months before I got my first sting.
Being a newbie I didn't realise what a gem I had.
In my enthusium I multiplied and multiplied, regularly purchased new pure breed hygienic queens from multi sources. I now have 20 hives which are doing well but I would give anything to have my gentle calm hive back.
Did I dream it or are there other amazing hives out there? If they still exist does anyone know were I can purchase this type of queen?