I am going to add a few more hives this year (package bees) and I was wondering if any of my fellow Texans have experience with Carniolans. I have heard they are a northern bee; but I was thinking if they have an early spring buildup it would really help in the east texas area. I understand they are gentle and do not readily rob; I really had a lot of trouble last year with the drought inducing my italian "girls " into this destructive behavior. The old time beekeepers in my area say you can either make honey or make bees ( which means package bees will generally not make surplus honey the first year and likewise with splits) due to the relatively short nectar flow. I have read the Carniolans are slow in comb buildup and this might be a problem due to the above statement. I would like to hear comments, good or bad about my possible purchase. Thanks, Bob Young Lindale,TX