2 replies to this topic

[futurebird]

We've had a lot of conversations about how in the wild carpenter ants (such as Camponotus pennslyvanicus) eat nasty things like bird poo. The concern is that pet ants may not be getting complete nutrition. I decided to buy 1 pound of powdered urea (the main nutrient the ants are seeking) and try offering it to my ants. They were universally interested, collecting it and liking it for a few days, then losing interest for many months. 

Of course I have 1 pounds of this stuff (it's an odorless white crystalline powder. Like salt.) I will never use it all. 

I would be happy to send some to anyone who wants to buy it. If you'd rather buy a whole pound for some reason here it is on amazon for $10

https://www.amazon.c...p=&sprefix=urea

If you want to buy some of mine it will cost $4. This is for shipping and the annoyance of packing it up.  I will send 3 tablespoons which is more than enough for a few colonies for many years. 

I suspect this is healthy for ants, the colonies I feed it to are in their 3rd year and thriving. But I generally spoil them so I will not claim it's magic. 

If you want some send me a DM. 

US only. 

[Miles]

How do you feed it to your ants? I don't imagine many ants will recognize the powder as a food source, so you must be presenting it to them in a palatable way?

[futurebird]

I just put it in a tiny ant-sized dish, like a small bottle cap then add a drop of water. 

They will also lick the dry grains.