Queen staying beneath hive

[Tommy Tip Top]

Hi,
I had a new queen emerge on the 11/7. I briefly checked on the day and closed up. The weather in Britain has fairly much been solid rain since then ( a few clear hours).
On Monday ( partially sunny day) I checked the hive - there were no eggs and the queen was in a small cluster of bees beneath the mesh floor (ie. Outside the hive). I have just noticed today ( partial sun again) that the cluster is still beneath the hive.
Is this part of the queens mating flight; or is there another reason for this please?
Any advice appreciated. I’m not a beginner but I am far from expert!
Thank you.

 

[Ian123]

Possibly got back from a mating or orientation flight and gone in under, I’d pop her back she’s no good under the floor!

 

[Tommy Tip Top]

Possibly got back from a mailing or orientation flight and gone in under, I’d pop her back she’s no good under the floor!

Thank you. Just put her back in. Much appreciated

 

[user 819]

Yes she has undershot the entrance so pop her and the bees back in.

 

[Newbeeneil]

I had one do it and had to put her in 3 times. In the end I put a solid floor in and she’s stayed inside now.

 

[Ian123]

Thank you. Just put her back in. Much appreciated

Obviously on your next inspection check she’s there/eggs but I’d leave them to it for a week. There may possibly have been another issue.

 

[Sutty]

I have some board blocking the space off under the hive stands to avoid this sort of problem with queens or a mass of workers. Open mesh floors seem to cause it as they think they are in contact with the colony so don't move!

 

[sarahcorlett2566]

I had the same problem last year with the queen returning from her mating flight and undershot and gathered a small crowd under the mesh floor but I brushed her and her entourage into a bucket and encouraged them back in and put a large bathroom tile propped up underneath the entrance and have not had any undershooting since.