Carnies or Italians

[oldwalt]

I've been beekeeping for 6yrs. using Langs. I just built 2 TBH this winter and I was wondering which breed of bee is best suited for a TBH, Carnies or Italians?

[Bush_84]

Well having not had any experience yet I can only tell you what I read. I generally don't believe there is such a thing as a preferred bee for a TBH and Lang. On the other hand, I want to start carnies in my TBHs due to them wintering better.

[the doc]

i tried package italians with no success. trying carnies this year

[catbackr]

I have Italians in my TBH and they made it through the coldest winter on record for our area. My previous experience was with Langs and I am very happy with the TBH and the Italians. I've ordered some Russian/Italian/feral hybrids from Ruth Seaborn in Tennessee and am anxious to get them in a TBH.

[Jaseemtp]

I will be testing out the TBH this spring also. Funny thing is I also have bees ordered from the Seaborns.
From what I have read, it does not seem to matter what race of bee you have in a TBH. Just best to have a bee suited to your area.

[NDnewbeek]

I have two - one HAD Italians, the other HAS Russians right now.

I am (loosely) in your region. Mostly I keep Carni's in my Langs. The Russians in the TBH seem to be doing fine so far.

[madasafish]

I have carnies in one TBH and mongrels in the other. Both survived the winter and coldest UK December for 100 years..

[oldwalt]

Thanks for you input. I heard that carnies are better because they eat less honey during the winter.........