When I opened my first beehive, I was full of excitement… and wildly unprepared.
Wearing track pants, thin gloves, and what I now know was a very questionable veil, I lifted the lid on what I believed would be a moment of quiet communion with nature. Instead, I was greeted by a full-on bee ambush. I was stung more than 50 times. My wife and dog didn’t escape either.
I didn’t give up, but I did go to bed — for a few days — nursing my ego and welts in equal measure.
That painful initiation is part of why I started Happy Bee.
From Chaos to Calm: Discovering Cordovan Queens
While recovering, I began to read everything I could find about hive behaviour and bee temperament. That’s when I stumbled upon something that would change my whole approach: Cordovan Queens.
Famed for their calm disposition and striking golden colour, Cordovan bees are a variant of the Italian bee known for their gentle nature and strong productivity. Unlike more defensive strains, hives headed by Cordovan queens are often noticeably easier to manage — especially for beginners or backyard beekeepers.
I became obsessed.
I wanted to meet one of these queens for myself — and I set out to find a breeder here in Australia who specialised in them. It wasn’t easy, but I eventually found a source, and I’m now incredibly proud to be able to offer Cordovan queens and nucs through Happy Bee.
Why Genetics Matter More Than You Think
When I reflect on that first chaotic hive experience, I realise the problem wasn’t just poor gear or inexperience. The queen’s genetics played a huge role.
A hive’s temperament is largely driven by its queen, and queen breeding is an art and science that goes far beyond just raising a few larvae. A queen mates with up to 30 drones in her first few days of life — and each of those drones contributes to the genetic mix of her offspring. If those drones carry aggressive traits, the result is a feisty hive, no matter how calm the queen herself might be.
That’s why professional queen breeders don’t just select for queen traits — they manage the drone lines too. It’s also why, left to their own devices, hive genetics can quickly deteriorate. In uncontrolled environments, virgin queens often mate with whatever drones are available — and over time, the gentle traits can be lost.
The Calm Hive Philosophy
Today, I work hard to pass on what I’ve learned — from gear tips to genetic selection. A calm hive isn’t just easier to manage — it’s safer for your family, your neighbours, and your bees. It encourages more people to take up beekeeping, which is a win for pollination and the planet.
That’s what Happy Bee is all about. :)
We now supply Cordovan queens and nucleus colonies that are carefully bred for calmness and resilience. Whether you’re new to beekeeping or just want to experience what working with a gentle hive feels like, I hope you’ll join me in prioritising peace in the apiary.
Because once you’ve experienced the joy of a calm hive… there’s no going back.
But Don’t Angry Bees Make More Honey?
Some say angry bees make more honey — but that’s more myth than fact. While certain aggressive strains have shown productivity in specific regions, research and real-world experience show no strong link between aggression and honey yield. In fact, many gentle bee strains like Buckfast or Cordovan are both calm and prolific. The real key is good genetics, responsible breeding, and smart management — not surviving a sting storm.
The Benefits of a Calm Hive
• Safety: Reduced risk of stings for beekeepers, pets, and neighbours
• Ease of Management: Gentler bees make inspections less stressful
• Community Relations: Calm hives are easier to keep in suburban or shared spaces
• Sustainability: Friendly bees encourage more new beekeepers — and that’s good for everyone