queen piping question

[GSF]

When you hear a queen piping does that mean there's two queens in the hive? Will just a single queen pipe? I was adding a super yesterday and as soon as I took the lid off she started piping.

[tjc1]

I have heard just one piping, but more often I've heard two (or more). On the multiples, it is often the case that one is out and the other(s) are still in their cells, but about to hatch. I just put my ear against the hive, and the different 'songs' are really clear (unhatched queens pipe e different sequence than hatched queens).

[GSF]

Thanks Tjc,

It never crossed my mind to listen for a different sequent or tone.

[Maggiesdad]

the answer back is 'quacking'. 

[OldMech]

A queen piping is often not heard if there are no queens to respond.. they "pipe" a few times, and if they are not challenged desist..  If they recieve a reply, they will often continue piping and begin hunting the adversary..  though they were then often deflected by the guard bees around the un emerged queens cell...  this will cause the piping to go on even longer.