Buckfast / Italian cross

**Seymore** · 03-24-2011, 10:06 PM

I'm reading comments online that Buckfast crossed with Italians get especially hot. Does that seem true still? Anyone with recent experience? Is it still a bee not recommended for beginners?

**AmericasBeekeeper** · 03-24-2011, 10:16 PM

Buckfast crossed with Italians is not a problem from my supplier. Perhaps there is something else in the mix too.

**jrbbees** · 03-25-2011, 12:21 AM

I have no experience with Buckfast.

But have read that they are a great bee, until they do a supersedure or swarm.
Then they 'can' get hot. This is only what I have read HERE. Do a search and read.

If you are wanting to raise you own queen they may be a questionable choice.

**Tia** · 03-25-2011, 06:19 AM

I started with Buckfasts and they were feisty little buggers. Subsequently, I bought out an oldtimer that had Italians. I never requeen and let the girls figure that out on their own. I have done splits and combines, so now I pretty much have Buckfast/Italian mutts. They are sweet as the honey they make; hardly need smoking during a good nectar flow. The only time they give me any trouble is during the dearth and should one become queenless.

**Seymore** · 03-25-2011, 07:21 AM

I've currently got Italians, and they seem hot to me. When I read those comments about a Buckfast cross, that was of concern, since I've got Buckfast coming. I don't want anything that might increase the heat of these girls! I guess it's just a crapshoot, eh? I know these Italians have built up super strong from nothing, and I know that's a good sign. Im thinking "Yay bees!" So I can deal with their "heat" if it correlates to their strength and survivability. I would like to avoid hotter tho.

Tia, how long ago did you buy yours?

**Merlinspop** · 03-25-2011, 07:41 AM

I've got a package coming with an Italian queen mated (supposedly) with Buckfast, Carni, and Russian drones. Hope they're well disposed.

**Kingfisher Apiaries** · 03-25-2011, 08:33 AM

I love my "Texas Muttfast" that I have turned to a breeder. She has been treatment free since sometime in 2009. I do not know how much is buckfast, but really am proud of this queen.

mike

**Tia** · 03-26-2011, 07:47 AM

Seymore, it was almost 10 years ago so the buckfast part has most likely really been bred out. They're real mutts. It's interesting to look into a hive and see all different colors and stripes. Really can't say what breed they are anymore. Okay with me as long as they keep building up and making honey like they've done for me over the years.