64 replies to this topic

[Ernteameise]

Right, since 3 of my colonies got totally new nests today because my parcel from Tarheel ants arrived, my Rescue Colony also got an extension.

I connected the old acrylic nest where my other Messor colony lived in to the outworld of the rescue colony.

Since the other Messor colony loved that acrylic nest, I hope these girls will love it, too.

I have cleaned it up and added a few seed, so it will be more attractive.

 

 

And yes, the connector tube is above the radiator, but the radiator will be off during spring and summer, and when it will be on again, it is time again for diapause. So I do not really see this as an issue.

 

 

Right now, the colony is still hiding in the cork nest at the back of the outworld, let us see how long it takes:

 

 

[Ernteameise]

One day after the connection to the new nest, there is no traffic to the new nest, they have pretty much settled into the cork nest at the back of the outworld.

But they did enjoy their first big meal of the season today!

 

[Ernteameise]

So they have now sent scouts into the connected acrylic nest, and they also have started foraging for seed there.

The seed are dropped all around inside the connecting tube:

 

 

And the scouts are checking out the new real estate:

 

[Ernteameise]

Since I had been tasked by the UK supplier of Emeraid veterinary diet to try out their Carnivore formula with my ants, I did a little experiment.

 

 

 

These ants actually liked it!

 

 

Further news for this colony-

since I live in a small flat and one big colony is probably all I can handle space-wise (plus a few of my small colonies) I have asked the ant keepers at work if one of them had more space for these girls.

And one of my colleagues has said they are interested.

So this colony might go to a new owner soon.

[Ernteameise]

Right.

Great news!

A colleague from work who also keeps ants (and bees!) has adopted this colony.

She is the one I buy my organic local honey from. Awesome honey, it tastes like the one my granddad used to make!!

I am relieved that I could offer this colony into good hands.

I have a small flat, so while I can keep 1 big colony and several small ones, I do not have the space for another colony that could grow into something large.

 

The ants had been pretty well and happy, they got some "good bye" chicken from me yesterday and some dandelion seed to play with.

They are now off to good hands.

 

Therefore-

While the story of this colony is not over, it is now written by a different ant-keeper.

 

This journal is therefore discontinued.

Edited by Ernteameise, April 15 2024 - 8:06 AM.