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Subject:
From:
"Dave Green, Eastern Pollinator Newsletter" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 21 Jun 1995 00:13:46 -0400
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In a message dated 95-06-19 19:32:41 EDT,       [log in to unmask] (Jim
Wagner) wrote:
 
> I have noticed many references to Buckfast Queens on this list.  Can
>someone please tell me what a Buckfast Queen is and why there is so
>much
>interest in them?
 
    Buckfast queens were developed by Brother Adam, a world renowned queen
breeder at Buckfast Abbey in England.  Weaver's in Navasota, TX are the only
suppliers I know of, and I have used them in the past.  You can get their
address/phone from any bee mag.
 
   Their main claim to fame is that there seems to be some resistance to
tracheal mite (not varroa).  This appears true in my own experience, though I
have other lines that are as good.
 
   They are a bit pricey, as there is a fee paid for each one under a
licensing agreement, but they are exceptionally nice bees.
 
   They are very dark in color, so it is a bit hard to find queens, unless
they are marked.  Some complain that they are a bit testy, especially in the
second generation, but I haven't found them to be.
 
   My main complaint is that they are hard to establish.  I have had a lot of
problems with supersedure, however, they usually allow the queen to lay long
enough so the daughter is of the same stock.
 
   Probably 15 - 20% of my stock is second or third generation Buckfast, but
if I pick out, say 30 of the very best hives, 50 - 60% will be Buckfast.
 
>I am a brand new beekeeper with lots of enthusiasm and very little
knowledge so please excuse the stupid question.
 
   The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked. -Guaranteed to keep
someone stupid. :-)
 
[log in to unmask]                         Dave Green

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