swarm Prevention

[For want of a better word]

Bigger Hives are more defensive I like Buckfast and renew queens in every hive each year

ASPIREITE or ASPIREWRONG..... each to their own!

 

[ASPIRERITE]

Now can I ask you a question? Do bigger hives have more defences to ward off an attacker? and do you find first year queens to be better egg layers than a 4yr old queen? and do you like Buckfast bees? and if I'm wrong or you have a better way can you tell me why so I can try your way?

 

[For want of a better word]

Now can I ask you a question? Do bigger hives have more defences to ward off an attacker? and do you find first year queens to be better egg layers than a 4yr old queen? and do you like Buckfast bees? and if I'm wrong or you have a better way can you tell me why so I can try your way?

Now THAT is a question you should put to Finman...... and he will tell you you are barking up the wrong tree... what you need to do is to move your bees to better forage.,,, and I believe that 2nd year queens are his favored?

Chons da

 

[Finman]

Now THAT is a question you should put to Finman...... and he will tell you you are barking up the wrong tree..
Chons da

You need a dendrologist to that job.

 

[For want of a better word]

You need a dendrologist to that job.

Classic reply Finnie!

We all love you sense of humour !

 

[Finman]

.
At least you should stop barking Asperite.

 

[B+.]

Now can I ask you a question? Do bigger hives have more defences to ward off an attacker? and do you find first year queens to be better egg layers than a 4yr old queen? and do you like Buckfast bees? and if I'm wrong or you have a better way can you tell me why so I can try your way?

They do indeed have more workers, each with a sting, so, they have the POTENTIAL to be more aggressive. However, all bees are not the same. I would urge you to seek out those with docile bees (e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGZ0ZmN-W8M ) rather than propagating aggressive queens.
In my experience, queens that have overwintered and are going into their first full year are usually (but not always) at their peak. I have also had colonies where the queen hasn't performed at her best until the second year.
I did like Buckfast bees but they have an inherent problem. Unless you are a breeder with access to secluded mating sites, or use instrumental insemination, the first generation of daughters can be quite aggressive.