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Post by jeoff82 on Mar 6, 2011 15:47:27 GMT
Checked on my colonies in the shed today and it seems they are starting to come out of hibernation already. They all looked pretty active and are moving fast so I think I'm gonna feed them later this week and think about ending the hibernation period. What does everyone think about this?
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Post by Jenny on Mar 6, 2011 16:03:30 GMT
Yes, daytime is getting warmer in the sun, very much dependant where you live though? I have seen nigers foraging on our carpark as it faces south. Not many surfacing in the garden yet, and we live on the South coast. I have found loads of small spiders to feed our indoor ants, but you have to make sure they are dead! There is also the odd bluebottle around too, I just haven't been quick enough swat them, never mind it's only the beginnings  |
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Post by jeoff82 on Mar 6, 2011 16:26:10 GMT
My ants are fed cooked chicken, they seem to prefer it over insects! Plus I don't like killing spiders. I saw a bee out the other day foraging so I think it may be time to bring them indoors.
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Post by Kyle on Mar 6, 2011 23:30:48 GMT
General rule I use, is once the daffs come out so do my ants, but that can be quite early down here in the south,(and even earlier further south).
Kyle
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Post by bowser on Mar 8, 2011 11:52:56 GMT
My ants have been in an unheated room over winter I am not convinced they ever went into a full hibernation. They are all in test tubes at the moment, when I pull back the cover they all start reacting to the light straight away so I guess that means they are out of hibernation?
If I place these ants into a bigger tub instead of foraging for food they simple start blocking up their entrance and I am concerned they’re not eating however if I shove some honey soaked cotton wool into the tubes they do feed on it. Could it simply be that they need to be warmer before foraging for themselves?
Jeoff82 which type of ants do you have that eat the cooked chicken? I have Lasius Niger and Lasius Flavus.
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Post by jeoff82 on Mar 8, 2011 17:17:44 GMT
Lasius Niger and Formica lemani/Fusca eat the cooked chicken. I'm sure Flavus would eat it aswell. Sounds like your ants are feeding ok if they take the honey. Try them with some chicken aswell for protein.
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