I've kept Russians and typically would not recommend them to first year beekeepers. Russians are usually very aggressive and sting more than other kinds of honey bees. I also found that they travel further away from the hive in that aggressive mode. They may reproduce more and grow in numbers, but the experience is not the same as an Italian.
I've kept Russians and typically would not recommend them to first year beekeepers. Russians are usually very aggressive and sting more than other kinds of honey bees. I also found that they travel further away from the hive in that aggressive mode. They may reproduce more and grow in numbers, but the experience is not the same as an Italian.
Dave
EAS Certified Master Beekeeper