"Their 'hot' temperment I think may be a bit over-hyped? Most people I've talked to that have them consider them hotter than some varieties that have been bred to be docile, but they're not overly aggressive unless provoked"
what newbee said, the russians temperament tend to get over hyped, and a beekeeper needs to understand their characteristics (different from others) as to why they MIGHT be hot or get annoyed with you...........most describe them as hot because they may be accustomed to italians or calmer genetics and think they can work bees in flip flops, shorts and no veil, or minimal protective gear, or no smoker and not pay attention to other variables. russian bees have some quirks and some adjustment/learning curve and management techniques different from others.......but once you learn this, you are good to go.
no lazy my russians are not always hot. it just depends. there are so many variables. yes, they probably can be or are more 'temperamental' than other lines of bees, but for me it is worth it. it's just all about paying attention.
if you would like an education on russian honeybees, go to the rhba's website, and/or reading material from each members website and what they have to say. email the association or one of the members, they are usually willing to help and answer questions.
no one, NO ONE has the original russian stock except for the russian honeybee association, and they do advertise this in the bee journals. annoys me when i see someone advertising 'russian queens'......ya need to ask them.
this was initially available to all buyers, so anyone advertising russian stock outside the rhba has by now 'muddied' genetics of russian queens.
