I have two hives, the first is two deeps, always been fairly calm and only gets upset if I'm really pulling out frames. The second is one deep 5-frame nuc with a 5-medium frames on top of that, the nuc is "hot" to me. They sting my gloves when I pull the frames out, they sting my pants, they try to sting through the veil. Infact from opening the hive, they are pretty much on me until I am atleast 15+ feet away. No matter how smoothly I move they are ticked that I'm there.
When I started them I was sure they were a swarm from the other hive, but they sure don't act like the other hive at all. I don't have a smoker (I am monetarily challenged at the moment...), and while I might get one, using it is yet another learning curve I'm sure... I would like opinions as to what each of you considers a "hot hive." Is it always best to requeen?
I understand that more-reactive hives do have their good points, such as less problems with pests. Neither hive has been troubled so far by pests. That may just be luck as both were started this year from swarms (#1 in April and #2 in June).
When I started them I was sure they were a swarm from the other hive, but they sure don't act like the other hive at all. I don't have a smoker (I am monetarily challenged at the moment...), and while I might get one, using it is yet another learning curve I'm sure... I would like opinions as to what each of you considers a "hot hive." Is it always best to requeen?
I understand that more-reactive hives do have their good points, such as less problems with pests. Neither hive has been troubled so far by pests. That may just be luck as both were started this year from swarms (#1 in April and #2 in June).