What makes Hagen's Carniolan Queens so special? It's a combination of heritage, careful breeding, and the utmost care in handling – from their origin in Slovenia to their arrival in your apiary.
We're incredibly fortunate to partner with some of the finest Carniolan breeders in Slovenia. These breeders represent a four-generation family tradition, and remarkably, the grandfather of the current generation was a supplier to none other than Brother Adam himself. This connection to such a pivotal figure in beekeeping history speaks volumes about the quality and lineage of our queens.
Slovenia's strict regulations regarding bee breeds – it's a "closed country" in terms of bee imports – provide further assurance of the purity and quality of our Carniolan stock. We at Hagen's know with absolute certainty that our queens are descended from generations of carefully selected Carniolan bees, ensuring you receive some of the most exceptional queens available anywhere in Europe. Furthermore, the region where our queens are bred shares a remarkably similar climate to the UK. This means they are naturally adapted to thrive in our conditions, giving them a head start in your apiary.
But the quality of Hagen's queens isn't just about their genetics; it's also about how they're handled. We understand that queens are precious, and we treat them accordingly. Unlike some suppliers who rely on couriers and distribution hubs, our queens are treated like royalty from the moment they leave the breeder. We use an agent to collect our queens directly from the breeders in Slovenia, personally driving them back to the UK in a comfortable vehicle – not a cold, rattling van. The outer cartons are immediately opened exposing the cages and allowing good air changes around the cages. Our agent will stop several times to vent the car of stale CO2 expelled by the bees. The agent will also lightly spray the cages with water to keep them hydrated. This all helps to minimise stress and ensures their well-being. Upon arrival, the queens undergo a thorough inspection by the National Bee Unit’s Inspector before being carefully transferred to travel cages. They're then ready for distribution to their new homes the very next day with Royal Mail. This is an expensive process but we at Hagen's feel it is a vital part of our commitment to our customers and our queens.
We believe this direct, personal approach is essential. Queens that are bounced around in courier vans for days on end, subject to varying temperatures and handling, are likely to be stressed. This can affect their health, their laying ability, and even the temperament of the colony they establish. We avoid all of that the best we can.
We also take a patient, nature-centred approach to queen-rearing. We don't rush the season. For a queen to be mated successfully, the drones must be fully mature. Drones require approximately forty days to develop and mature, meaning the first drone brood needs to be laid in late March at the earliest. Attempting to breed queens any earlier than this is a significant risk. Experienced queen breeders will tell you that trying to raise drones too early in the season often results in poorly nourished drones. The hive simply doesn't have enough worker bees to care for them properly. If this crucial step is compromised, you risk having poorly mated queens, which can lead to a colony dwindling to a "drone-laying worker" situation later in the season.
Here at Hagen's we believe that patience is key. By working with nature, not against it, we ensure that our queens are well-mated and ready to establish thriving colonies. These are fantastic queens, bred for their gentleness, productivity, and resilience. But even the best queen needs the right start in life, and the right conditions to flourish. By partnering with us, you're not just getting a high-quality queen; you're gaining access to our expertise and commitment to your beekeeping success. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Let's talk about the Carniolan honeybee, a fascinating subspecies of the western honey bee. Scientifically known as Apis mellifera carnica, these bees hail from Slovenia and some of its neighbouring regions. They're a popular choice among beekeepers across the globe, and for good reason!
First, a little about their origin and history. Carniolan bees are native to the southern reaches of the Austrian Alps and the northern Balkans, with a particularly strong presence in the Kočevje region of Slovenia. They've been kept in this native region for centuries, which means they've had a long time to adapt perfectly to the local climate and environment. Over time, beekeepers recognised the Carniolan bee's desirable traits and this led to their export around the world. Today, they're one of the most popular honey bee subspecies you'll find anywhere.
So, they've got a great history, a strong connection to their native land, and they're well-travelled. But what makes them so popular? Let's talk about the wonderful Carniolan bee, a favourite among beekeepers worldwide, and especially cherished in its native Slovenia. What makes these bees so special?
First, let's look at their physical characteristics. Carniolan bees are known for their dark, greyish-brown colour, accented with light grey to yellowish hairs along the edges of their abdomen. They're a medium-sized bee, falling nicely between the larger German Black Bee and the smaller Italian bee. And they have exceptionally long tongues, making them super-efficient foragers, especially adept at gathering nectar from flowers like red clover.
Now, let's explore their behaviour. Carniolan bees are famous for their gentle and docile nature. This calm temperament makes them a joy to work with, even for beginners and hobbyist beekeepers. They're also excellent honey producers, often yielding large crops. They get an early start in the spring, building up their population quickly to take advantage of those early nectar flows. While they do have a moderate tendency to swarm, this can be managed with attentive beekeeping practices. Carniolans are also winter hardy, able to overwinter well even in colder climates. They form small winter clusters and conserve their resources efficiently and, importantly, they exhibit some resistance to certain bee diseases and parasites.
So, why are Carniolan bees so popular? Their gentle nature makes them easy to handle and reduces the likelihood of stings. Their productivity, both in terms of honey production and efficient foraging, makes them a rewarding choice for beekeepers. And their adaptability to a wide range of climates contributes to their global popularity.
In Slovenia, the Carniolan bee isn't just a popular choice – it's the only legally permitted honey bee. It's protected by law as an indigenous species. Beekeeping has a long and rich tradition in Slovenia, with a very high percentage of the population involved in this practice. The Carniolan bee is an integral part of Slovenian cultural heritage, and there's a strong emphasis on preserving this unique and valuable subspecies.
In summary, our Carniolan Queens from Slovenia are highly valued for their gentle nature, productivity, adaptability, and disease resistance. They are a popular choice for beekeepers around the world and hold a very special place in the beekeeping traditions of their native Slovenia.