On 16 Sep 97 at 15:30, Clarence W. Walker wrote:
 
> and queen. I realize I will need to feed them over winter, but I
> would like to have them established and well situated in my orchard
> in Lake Lure, NC before the spring bloom...despite the extra work
> and care. Any recommendation as to a source of mite free, disease
> free bees and queen would be appreciated.
 
Starting bees at this time of year, regardless of how much you feed
them, is not a good idea.
        It takes a package or a nuc a long time to organise in a new hive.
Forget it for this and start early next year.
        As to a source of mite free bees, this is fast becoming the 'Holy
Grail' of bee keeping, and the only possible source would be from
Northern bee breeders.
 
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The Bee Works, 9 Progress Dr, Unit 2,
Orillia, Ontario, L3V 6H1
Phone/fax  705-326-7171
David Eyre, Owner.
http://www.muskoka.net/~beeworks
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