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Freezing crickets

Started By AntsMAN , Jul 8 2016 5:42 AM
food

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5 replies to this topic

#1 Offline AntsMAN - Posted July 8 2016 - 5:42 AM

AntsMAN

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I want to start feeding my ants crickets but I don't have the means to start, and keep them.

I was wondering if I bought 500 or so and froze them how long would they be good for the ants to eat?


Current queens/colonies

Camponotus novaeboracensis x2

Camponotus pennsylvanicus x2

Camponotus herculeanus x1

Formica sp. x1

Lasius americanus x1  (Lasius alienus)

Lasius neoniger x1

Crematogastor cerasi x1

Myrmica sp. x1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#2 Offline XZero38 - Posted July 8 2016 - 6:23 AM

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You could also try freeze dried crickets? I'm currently experimenting with my Pogonomyrmex queens with freeze dried.


My Current Colonies:

 

Tetramorium Sp. E. 

 

Myrmecocystus Mimicus

 

Pogonomyrmex Occidentalis

 

Formica Argentea

 

Solenopsis Molesta

#3 Offline AntsMAN - Posted July 8 2016 - 6:28 AM

AntsMAN

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I'm thinking I may want to gut load before freezing. But please let me know how they make out with freeze dried.


Current queens/colonies

Camponotus novaeboracensis x2

Camponotus pennsylvanicus x2

Camponotus herculeanus x1

Formica sp. x1

Lasius americanus x1  (Lasius alienus)

Lasius neoniger x1

Crematogastor cerasi x1

Myrmica sp. x1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#4 Offline Crystals - Posted July 8 2016 - 4:12 PM

Crystals

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I often buy in bulk and freeze.  It depends on how well they are sealed and how many you plan to feed.

They last about a year with no issues that I have found.  More if you freeze them until they are solid and then vacuum seal them.

I find a 50 package lasts me several weeks depending on the size and number of colonies I have active.


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My Colonies

#5 Offline AntsMAN - Posted July 8 2016 - 4:48 PM

AntsMAN

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Okay thanks.


Current queens/colonies

Camponotus novaeboracensis x2

Camponotus pennsylvanicus x2

Camponotus herculeanus x1

Formica sp. x1

Lasius americanus x1  (Lasius alienus)

Lasius neoniger x1

Crematogastor cerasi x1

Myrmica sp. x1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#6 Offline Batspiderfish - Posted July 8 2016 - 5:32 PM

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My ants don't seem to really like insects that have been frozen for more than a week, but I imagine larger colonies wouldn't be picky.


If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.

 

Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.

 

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Black lives still matter.

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