Ya know, on second inspection, I feel obligated to point out... the black plastic frame(s) in this pic, were purchased/picked up from Kelley Bee at the same time as the package bee's. I put the drawn comb (wooden frames) on the outside, the 'new' frames on the inside (hive entrance was in the middle). Those suckers drew comb and filled it darned near all, in about 6 weeks (4/28 to 6/5?)
They seem to be a might bit 'less' aggressive than the carni's I got last year, too? Now granted, I'm new to this hobby, but after a few minutes of inspection, the bee's I had last year (Carni's from a Georgia breeder) made it known they were done w/ me playing around). These Russian bee's, are far more tolerant of me poking around. They still signal their impatience, but a few puff's of smoke, and I can check a couple more frames. The previous bee's I had.... you closed things up and went back to the truck, or you got stung.
Very impressed (and pleased), for a newbie.
- K