5 replies to this topic

[ZacsAnts]

I'm here for my 10yr old son, who's just starting out. But I think he's ahead of me with learning, especially with so much info on the inter-webs, YouTube and the like. He wants to keep Desert Harvester Ants (I'm not sure what species?), so I told him that we should join a forum and learn as much as possible before getting a colony. I tried to order a formicaria from 117 Colonies, but as you know, they don't respond to emails and haven't shipped anything, so I was forced to cancel the order. I'll be creating another thread about that later. 

I would like to buy a proper formicaria, (nest or whatever the proper housing is called?) one that would support the ants he desires and also one that will expand with the colony as they grow. I don't want to go crazy spending money, but I also don't want something that is cheap and doesn't last. I like antkeepingdepot.com, but I'm not sure what to get? 

Cheers,

John & Zac

We're in Los Angeles (SFV), so if there's anyone nearby to chat or whatever, don't hesitate to contact us.

[nurbs]

Welcome! You have an ant enthusiast community here in SoCal that can help you out. The forum owner dspdrew is in Santa Ana, and I am in LA.

 

Before you spend too much on a formicarium, maybe make your own "founding nest" first. Getting harvesters to their first workers can be challenging, depending on the species. If your son wants Pogonomyrmex, those are harder. Veromessor are much easier. Both of these species have already flown, but you should be able to find Pogonomyrmex right at sunset near the mountain canyon/desert foothills still. Again, get a colony going first before you spend anything on a commercial formicarium.

 

You can also look at how Drew makes his "dirt shacks" (do a search, he also sells them) which he describes in detail on how they are made.

 

I also make these founding formicariums with a pencil case which also works, but you can pretty much take that concept and apply it to any clear plastic case. Here's is the thread on that:

 

http://www.formicult...m-and-outworld/

Edited by nurbs, June 14 2018 - 11:45 AM.

[T.C.]

Welcome. I like both Tarheel ants and ausants. Did you get your money back from 117 colonies? He has ripped quite a few people off and the ones I heard about were just people that are members of this forum.

[ZacsAnts]

Welcome! You have an ant enthusiast community here in SoCal that can help you out. The forum owner dspdrew is in Santa Ana, and I am in LA.

 

Before you spend too much on a formicarium, maybe make your own "founding nest" first. Getting harvesters to their first workers can be challenging, depending on the species. If your son wants Pogonomyrmex, those are harder. Veromessor are much easier. Both of these species have already flown, but you should be able to find Pogonomyrmex right at sunset near the mountain canyon/desert foothills still. Again, get a colony going first before you spend anything on a commercial formicarium.

 

You can also look at how Drew makes his "dirt shacks" (do a search, he also sells them) which he describes in detail on how they are made.

 

I also make these founding formicariums with a pencil case which also works, but you can pretty much take that concept and apply it to any clear plastic case. Here's is the thread on that:

 

http://www.formicult...m-and-outworld/

Thanks for the info! I agree, starting small and building is the right way to go. I'll check out the links for sure.

Thanks!

[ZacsAnts]

Welcome. I like both Tarheel ants and ausants. Did you get your money back from 117 colonies? He has ripped quite a few people off and the ones I heard about were just people that are members of this forum.

Thanks! The transaction was pending, so PayPal was able to stop the authorization and put the money back into my account (well, within a day or two?), so no hassle. It's crazy what people do to get away with stuff.

[T.C.]

Welcome. I like both Tarheel ants and ausants. Did you get your money back from 117 colonies? He has ripped quite a few people off and the ones I heard about were just people that are members of this forum.

Thanks! The transaction was pending, so PayPal was able to stop the authorization and put the money back into my account (well, within a day or two?), so no hassle. It's crazy what people do to get away with stuff.

He used to be active around here, he was fine until he started taking people's money and giving them nothing.