The different reactions to queen introduction

[FordGuy]

When you introduce a queen, what are all the different reactions you might see?  I have witnessed two ends of the spectrum - very different reactions and wanted to ask if there are any others you have seen - I have watched bees "ball" a queen in an attempt to kill her, and I have witnessed a crowd of nurse bees slowly crawl to the queen's cage, cover it, and appear to show heightenend interest without agression.

is there any thing in between?  a slightly agressivve approach?

What other reactions have you seen?  what do you look for?  Thanks.

[rdy-b]

Heres a fun one for you while releasing queen the queen has a reaction of here own and flys away :-D RDY-B

[Brian D. Bray]

Balling the queen usually indicates the bees will not accept her.  this happens a lot with trying to  requeen Italian bees with Russian queens.  Then it is best to spray the queen cage and frames with a simiple syrup with Mint or Vanilla flavoring in it so the odors mask the "odd" smell of the queen.

If the bees go to it slowing and crawl all over the cage and seem "happy" they will usually accept the queen.  Often the sound within the hive will change as well. from a kind of roar to a contented hum.  If that happens your queen will be accepted guaranteed.

Another  reaction to a queen is to ignore her at first.  Then acceptance is about 50-50.