[Reallymary]

While inspecting frame of newly installed nuc I dropped it flat on the ground. I’m afraid I might have squashed the queen. Didn’t see her, but what if ? How soon can I tell if there is no queen? Dang it! I’m freaking out.

 

[COAL REAPER]

after 3 days go back and look for eggs. if there is still eggs at day 4 then she is still laying after your incident. if you dont want to wait three days you are going to have to go back in and find her. but just cuz she is alive does not mean you did not hurt her. they are pretty hardy about being dropped, so long as not squished.

 

[Michael Bush]

In four days if there are no eggs you don’t have a queen laying. If you see queen cells you probably don’t have a queen.

 

[psm1212]

First, queens are hardy insects and you are likely fine.

To directly answer your questions though: In 4 days, if you see eggs she is fine. In 8 days, if you see open larva, she is fine.

I am betting she is fine. Good luck.

 

[COAL REAPER]

WOW three nearly identical answers to the same beekeeping question! alert the media!!!

 

[nhoyt]

If she is dead the hive will know and they will get very loud. If they are far louder then they where from before good chance she is gone.

 

[Reallymary]

Thank you.

 

[aran]

if it makes you feel better ive done this a few times and the queen has been fine each time

 

[psm1212]

Reallymary: Any updates on your queen?

 

[Reallymary]

Reallymary: Any updates on your queen?

I THINK I saw eggs in drawn comb on Sunday June 23. Fingers crossed, thank you for asking.