Question: How angry would you let your bees get off with before re-queening?
My scenario:
One hive, last year's marked queen, no idea of breed so assuming mongrel. I can walk near the hive fine, just no sudden movements and don't get near the entrance.
During inspections, smoke sends most down into the frames. 5 or more go into the air and buzz around me. As the inspection goes on, more take to the air. Some have a 'peck' at my veil, others at the hands. Any quick(ish) movement over the frames makes more go for whatever is moving (hand, hive tool etc.).
I saw a YouTube video by Paul Kelly at UoG and he was talking about breeding for good behaviour. At one point he waved his hand fast over the top of the frames and not one bee flinched. He said he wouldn't tolerate that and breeds it out.
Do others agree? Or is that just the ideal scenario? I know I need to find out what works for me, but I'm curious to know if others would class this as too aggressive for their apiaries.
Also, has anyone bought a buckfast bee from Abelo? Any joy?
My scenario:
One hive, last year's marked queen, no idea of breed so assuming mongrel. I can walk near the hive fine, just no sudden movements and don't get near the entrance.
During inspections, smoke sends most down into the frames. 5 or more go into the air and buzz around me. As the inspection goes on, more take to the air. Some have a 'peck' at my veil, others at the hands. Any quick(ish) movement over the frames makes more go for whatever is moving (hand, hive tool etc.).
I saw a YouTube video by Paul Kelly at UoG and he was talking about breeding for good behaviour. At one point he waved his hand fast over the top of the frames and not one bee flinched. He said he wouldn't tolerate that and breeds it out.
Do others agree? Or is that just the ideal scenario? I know I need to find out what works for me, but I'm curious to know if others would class this as too aggressive for their apiaries.
Also, has anyone bought a buckfast bee from Abelo? Any joy?
Jazz