Getting Ready for the Bees, Day 2

When raising animals, of any kind, you usually select a preferred breed based on specific characteristics, traits, or desired production. For example, some people like big dogs like Great Danes, while others prefer Corgis. When we started the ranch, we selected Limousin cattle for their beef production over Herefords or Angus. So, choosing the right type of honeybees to populate my hive is just as important.

Isn’t a bee just a bee?

Across the globe there are numerous kinds of honeybees, including hybrids. Different strains of bees have slightly different characteristics. So, which type of honeybee is the best? I, like all beekeepers, am looking for a strain that is incredibly gentle and produces massive amounts of honey while resisting all pests and diseases. Unfortunately, the perfect bee colony doesn’t exist but there are some strains that are close.

There are three main types of honeybees commonly used for beekeeping: Italian, Carniolan, and Caucasian.

• Italian – These are the most common honeybee in the world. They are calm and good comb producers. They maintain a large colony, which means lots of honey.
• Carniolan – The second-most popular bee and are considered to be the most gentle. They overwinter wells and tend to have fewer health issues than other strains. But, the exhibit a strong tendency to swarm.
• Caucasian – These bees are also considered extremely gentle. Though they have a low tendency to swarm, they can be inclined to get lost, drift, and rob.

Which is best? The choice is obviously a difficult one. I am leaning more toward an Carniolan colony but, to help with my decision I have joined the local beekeeping association. I am excited to learn what strain does well in the area and the best local suppliers. Bees should be ordered in the winter for spring delivery, and I am excited to place my order soon.

Next, all about the hive.