6 replies to this topic

[cwalser]

Hi people! We have tried several times to raise ants, and it is so HARD! Right now we have a healthy batch of Camponotus's, but even though we put chopped up bugs in the outworld we have never seen them come out to eat. Also there is a nectar feeder up there, which is emptying, but i am wondering if it is simply evaporation, because they never seem to come up....

 

Wondering if i should put nectar into one of those side tubes, or just stop worrying?

 

 

Thank you.

[ReignofRage]

Due to just how small the colony is, they may only be consuming a small amount of protein when it's dark and you aren't around, likely when they drink as well. The ants themselves are all physogastric, which means they're at least consuming something and filling themselves full. It is a relatively large nest for the colony, so if they don't seem to grow over the next couple months, it may be helpful to move them to a smaller nest or even a tub and tube set up. If they grow, then I wouldn't move them, an "if it's working, don't change it" sort of thing.

[TacticalHandleGaming]

That Nucleus is way too big for that colony. So I would expect only a worker or two is foraging at night. As ReignofRage said, if they keep growing in that nest, they should be okay. However they will likely dump trash inside the nest. Make sure to keep an eye out for mold.

[cwalser]

Thank you both!

[Mushu]

The nucleus can be plugged at the center tunnels connecting the back/front, so they have access to half the nest, although it may be a bit unsightly. It's an advertised feature of the nest.  My buddy put a colony of about 20 Camponotus us-ca02 in a nucleus and they're doing fine albeit storing trash on the other side of the nucleus and sometimes in the outworld. He's up to probably 50-60 workers now with a good brood cycle. 

[kiedeerk]

most common mistake for new ant keepers is buying large expensive formicarium for their < 10 workers colony. I would move them to an appropriate sized nests. For a colony this size it’s very easy to move. And it will be easier in the fall to diapause them in a smaller nest

[The_Gaming-gate]

The ants are stressed out by the large nest, as previously said. What I’d do is move them to a TarHeelAnts Mini Hearth, or just a simple test tube. The Nucleus probably shouldn’t be used for about a year with the Camponotus. A colony that small can have plenty of reasons to die in such a large environment.