Russian Bees First Hive Inspection.

Checking to see the performance and temperment of the certified Russian bees.

[@garyfish5739]

Is there a way to encourage smaller cells? I have heard smaller cells=smaller bees=stunted or unhealthy. Older comb is like re-waxed by them therefore smaller cells? Can that be Detrimental at all? Nice to see you have nice bees! Great videos man! Great looking hound, too~!

[@strutt01]

Thank You Gary, I appreciate that. With small cell , they use to make plastic foundation. But I think the market dropped off for it. And yes the older brood comb gets the more cacoons it has in it and the smaller the cells get. The smaller the bees get the smaller the cells they build. They still make wax foundation but I'm more apt to just let the bees make their own since they are already smaller in size. Healthwise I think the number of bees offset the size of the bee. Killer bees are like super soldiers, they are still apis malifera, they are small cell size and they need nothing from us to live. And I have very few issues with my bees. The main issue would just be queens getting old or failing somehow.

[@garyfish5739]

@@strutt01 right on thanks man. I have only just started keeping bees and theres a lot to learn. I am using wax/wire foundation this year hoping to quit doing that next year.

[@strutt01]

Keep those hives level from left to right, wire the frames well and you'll really appreciate them. I'd tilt your hives forward too so the bees can remove debris easier. I'm not certain but I think the bees draw the comb faster without foundation anyways.