Care to share your experiences with fat/beeman's russians?

[BeeCurious]

If you have experience with "fat/beeman's " Russians I'd like to know what you thought of them.

And if you have open breed "daughters/grand-daughters" how are they doing?

[Ardilla]

I've had decent luck with my two hives (only second year). One superceded its queen earlier this spring. I didn't notice that she was failing, but they superceded and the daughter built the hive up very quickly.

The queen in the second hive was failing this summer so I attemped to requeen with a purchased queen. The hive became queenless after that queen had only laid a couple frames. So I gave them eggs from the first hive. Now the granddaughter of the first hive is doing well.

I am not sure what to take from both hives needing new queens in year two. It doesn't seem all that strange but not a great thing either. I may try introduce new genetics next year since I am isolated and these daughters/graddaughters may be inbred to a degree.

Their temperment has been very good. They headbutt a little during a dearth, but are very gentle when there is forage. I' ve only had three stings from them and they were all because I did stupid things (like carelessly grab a handhold with bees in it). All in all, I would order from him again.

[wayacoyote]

I too order from him. the queens and their queen daughters have been very productive. My wife says, "we like 'em." My dad will be buying from him next year. Don is very easy to work with an the queens come in great shape. Introductions are typcal of what I've heard of Russians. Tease them into the hive to prevent supercedures.

[kmartin]

Don't know if they are Russian or not. Bought a nuc from him last year. Most productive hive I have this year. Pulled a split from it this year, it's doing well. Both are easy to handle.

[BeeCurious]

My "Fat/beeman" SC hive got off to a late start but it looks good. My other colony is from Bjorn Apiaries (http://www.bjornapiaries.com/) (non SC hived with Honey Super Cell). I'm hoping that the Goldenrod will fill out the 3rd medium boxes for winter.

Both colonies are gentle.

[LEAD PIPE]

I ordered 2 nucs this spring and both are doing well. I have 2 splits from these hives. The bees are very gentle. I would order again but I'm not sure Don will be mailing nucs anymore.