Abkhazian bees are very common insects that are often raised by beekeepers and breeders. Representatives of this breed are undemanding to the climate, have a calm character and are hard-working. In addition, these insects produce very healthy honey. Another feature of bees is their ability to reliably protect their nests from enemies.
Description
This breed is often grown in the valleys of Abkhazia, as well as in mountainous areas. The distinctive characteristics of insects include a calm disposition, hard work, resistance to low temperatures and moderate swarming.
Another important feature is the ability to collect large amounts of nectar. Bees leave the hive early in the morning and return home late in the evening.
Types of Caucasian bees
The Abkhazian breed of bees belongs to the widespread Caucasian varieties. The main types of such individuals include:
- Gray rock. These insects are distinguished by their silver-gray color without yellow rims. They are characterized by their small size and long narrow proboscis. Thanks to this, insects can collect nectar from the flowers of rare mountain plants. Honey collection begins quite early. At the same time, it ends late, since the bees are not afraid of lower temperatures.
- Yellow Caucasian breed. It appeared by crossing Persian and Gray Mountain individuals. Representatives of this breed are characterized by short proboscis. In addition, they are characterized by reduced protective instincts. When inspecting the nest, the bees behave very calmly. A characteristic feature of insects is the presence of red rims.
- North Caucasian breed. These bees are characterized by yellowish rims on the abdomen. Insects are adapted to hot summers and winter flights. The advantages are energy during the honey collection period and productivity during all flights. Also, bees of this breed often steal honey.
Characteristic differences
Representatives of this breed are peaceful in nature and rarely attack beekeepers. Another feature of insects is the early start of the summer season. At the same time, individuals of this breed finish seasonal work later than others. This confirms their high productivity.
Abkhazian women can keep the number of eggs laid under control.Therefore, to increase the size of the bee colony, the beekeeper must install additional honeycombs. In this case, the queen will fill them with eggs on the same day.
Advantages and disadvantages
Abkhaz bees have the following advantages:
- resistance to many pathologies;
- long period of honey collection - lasts from early spring to late autumn;
- peaceful character, lack of aggression towards the beekeeper;
- resistance to harsh but short winters;
- production of a large number of bonds.
At the same time, insects differ in a number of disadvantages:
- tendency to steal;
- lack of resistance to dampness;
- susceptibility to long winters;
- close proximity of brood from beebread and honey;
- decreased productivity due to heavy bribes;
- loss of useful characteristics with other breeds.
Productivity
This breed is characterized by productivity on meager bribes. With high and average honey yield, individuals lose to almost all types of bees. With a small bribe, insects collect up to 20 kilograms of nectar, while other breeds collect no more than 11-13.
Queen bee of the Caucasian bee
The queen bee of this breed is characterized by an elongated body, a large rounded abdomen and small eyes. The only difference in the internal structure is the highly developed ovaries. The queen is slow-moving and is rarely seen outside the hive. It is surrounded by working insects that provide food and care. Life expectancy is up to 5 years.
Infertile queens weigh 200 milligrams. During pregnancy, individuals gain 30-40 milligrams. They are capable of laying up to 1600 eggs per day.
Content Features
Such insects withstand transportation well. They can be kept in pavilions or in areas with poor honey flow. At the same time, it is important to provide Abkhaz women with proper nutrition. The basis of the diet of bees in summer is the nectar of flowering crops. In winter, it is definitely recommended to feed them.
Abkhazian bees are considered very common. This is due to high productivity and unpretentiousness. However, to obtain high-quality honey, it is important to properly care for the individuals.
