Welcome! Here we can discuss the exciting potentials that exist for beekeeping in feral and untreated survivor honeybee colonies. The list is intended for beekeepers that ‘do not use treatments’ on their bees OR working towards ending treatments. The purpose of the Feral Bee Project is to organize a group of beekeepers who have a an interest in sustainable beekeeping, and wish to encourage only the fittest honeybees that will thrive without treatments, and be productive for the beekeeper. Here we discuss and develop strategies and methods for the purpose of collecting, assessing and integrating feral honeybee stock into your apiaries. Also for discussion of more natural type breeding methods that beekeepers can employ to promote the highest genetic variability and productivity. Discussion topics may include anything about feral bees or any honeybee biology topic. Members are welcome to use the list to discuss exchanging or purchasing queens provided they are of feral type or untreated survivor stock.
Please Read:
The exciting potential of remote feral bee colonies for Varroa coexistence
An interesting document! Thanks! The document states: “Furthermore, representatives of the 'O' lineage (A. m. syriaca), (11% of feral colonies) have been
Over the past year, research has been conducted at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville on the genetic diverity of feral and managed (hobbyist/sideliner)
Clover makes excellent honey. . .my grandfather used to seed several acres every spring/summer with various kinds of clover and the bees absolutely loved it.
Buckwheat is something I have seeded around my place. Also Chaste Berry Bushes are very much popular with wild and domestic/feral pollinators. And the bloom
I've been exploring the major nectar sources in my location to see what kinds of things might be done to improve the 'bee country' rating. Here in the UK