Squashed a queen

[Gunzo]

Today I inspected a hive. I found the queen
( last years) unmarked, she was a late introduction in a angry hive.

I scooped her up in my plunger cage to mark her she is rather large and I felt the plunger pushed on her a little to hard.

As I released the preasure she appeared dead.

Not moving but her abdomen was pulsing so I placed her on a frame closed the hive and hoped for the best. 15 minutes later I returned to the hive and frame she was on and she was happily walking around.

anyone ever experienced this and will she be ok?

 

[pargyle]

They sometimes faint when you pick them up with a plunger device, it's something that happens ... you probably did not squash her unduly. Bit worrying when you see it for the first time and a relief when they do a Lazarus -

 

[Erichalfbee]

Yep. Fainting queens.

 

[Ian123]

Yes they are known on the odd occasion to play possum. Hopefully no permanent damage done.

 

[robinharman]

Yep, had it a good few times. Always worrying, especially at this time of year.

 

[Gunzo]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I had heard of it from holding the Q for to long but never experienced it. Just hoping not to see Emergency cells next week now.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Yep - queens do faint.
Also hate those plunger tools..................

 

[elainemary]

Today I inspected a hive. I found the queen
( last years) unmarked, she was a late introduction in a angry hive.

I scooped her up in my plunger cage to mark her she is rather large and I felt the plunger pushed on her a little to hard.

As I released the preasure she appeared dead.

Not moving but her abdomen was pulsing so I placed her on a frame closed the hive and hoped for the best. 15 minutes later I returned to the hive and frame she was on and she was happily walking around.

anyone ever experienced this and will she be ok?

Have had a fainting queen too, was worried all week til I did the next inspection and she was completely fine. As long as you didn’t squash her abdomen hard she’ll be fine, tougher than we think!

 

[BugsInABox]

Is the idea that she sings her own leg a myth.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Is the idea that she sings her own leg a myth.

No, it can happen

 

[Bear]

Is the idea that she sings her own leg a myth.

“Sings her own leg” please explain.

 

[BugsInABox]

“Sings her own leg” please explain.

*”Stings...”

 

[user 819]

I have never seen or had a queen play possum, that changed on 30 April on a quick inspection when I saw a new queen from last August which I new was in lay. I had my new vivid pink Toma pen in the pocket so went to mark her on the comb, laid said comb down and gently held her with my thumb/finger and marked her. On release she didn't move a dot so left her and gently just eased the frame back in.
I have no doubt all is well and will inspect proper next week as temps are looking much better from the S/W and less cold wind if any. A quick peek vai the poly CB and a little fondant added yesterday and all appeared very calm.

She has yet to be clipped if she does it again clipping should be a doddle.

 

[Busylizzie]

Today I inspected a hive. I found the queen
( last years) unmarked, she was a late introduction in a angry hive.

I scooped her up in my plunger cage to mark her she is rather large and I felt the plunger pushed on her a little to hard.

As I released the preasure she appeared dead.

Not moving but her abdomen was pulsing so I placed her on a frame closed the hive and hoped for the best. 15 minutes later I returned to the hive and frame she was on and she was happily walking around.

anyone ever experienced this and will she be ok?

This happened to me last year and I panicked too. She went on to lay profusely .