Italian Hybrids

[dp]

Today i order 4pkgs. of Italian Hybrids from Gardner's Apiaries. The woman that I talked to told me that they were a cross between Italians and Caucasians. I know what to expect from the Italians, but what should I expect from the Caucasian side of the bees? Has anybody ever tried these bees before? I plan on staring them out on PC and HBH. P.S. Thses are 3 pound pkgs. They also have an ad on the last page of Feb. Bee Culture magazine.

[Michael Bush]

>what should I expect from the Caucasian side of the bees?

Most hybrids do well. At least the first generation. They get some hybrid vigor that is usually very good.

The Caucasians are gentle, usually less productive than Italians (in general) and they like to propolize. They are hardy and quite nice.

>Has anybody ever tried these bees before?

I have not.

>I plan on staring them out on PC and HBH. P.S. Thses are 3 pound pkgs. They also have an ad on the last page of Feb. Bee Culture magazine.

Let us all know how they do.

[swarm_trapper]

the i have talked with the man that owns spell bee and he said that the italian hybred is a italian-carniolan mix

[dp]

If they are carniolans crossed with italians what do I need to expect from the carniolan genes? I've mainly had italians from Rossman or Wilbanks Apiaries. The Queens from Wilbanks have been fairly gentle and quick to build up.
I tried to get a 4 pound pkg.,but they said that they don't ship 4 pounders anymore. Here's a good story for you. I live less they 1 hour from Brushy Mountain. They charge 53 bucks for a 3 pond pkg. and 61 bucks for a 4 pounder. However I have to pick them up. At spell bee the cost came to a little over 45 bucks for a 3 pounder and that includes shipping.

[Solomon Parker]

I have a bit of experience with Italian-Carni Cross, they are quite gentle bees, and quite suited to most weather, they are advertised for their Italian honey gathering ability and the quick brood buildup and wintering ability of Carni's. Seeing what I have, queens depending on genetics can be black as Carni's or orange-yellow as Italians, and the bees likewise cover the entire range. Depending on the actual genetics, they may show traits of either race in varying amounts, for instance, in the spring some will build up faster and earlier, but it all depends on each individual queen and the genetics she is endowed with.

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Sol Parker
Southern Oregon Apiaries
http://www.allnaturalhoney.com

[Michael Bush]

I don't have any official hybrids, but I'm sure some of my bees are mix of Carni and Italian and they are wonderful bees. Gentle, productive.

[TAWoods]

What is the web or smail address of spell bee?

[dp]

I can't find a web page or a e-mail. All I have is their phone and fax number. Phone:912-367-9352. Fax:912-367-7047