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Post by andy on Sept 15, 2007 12:30:17 GMT
A year ago I was sent two queens, one died (sad) the other didn't lay eggs but seemed ok over winter.
Now she has laid eggs (a while ago) and I can see little workers running around. She / They are in "Ant World" - just need some advise on the next step.
They are in sand / mud - have a source of water in a pot (attached to ant world) also a few dead flies.
Any more advice? The workers don't seem to explore for the food?
THANK YOU :-D
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Post by theantkeeper on Sept 15, 2007 12:53:18 GMT
Hi Andy, If these are her first workers then all you have to do is give them plenty of food and a bit of water. From this stage on, the queen will lay more and more eggs so she will need a lot of resources. Basically just keep your new colony fed and watered and watch it grow  Andrew |
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Post by andy on Sept 15, 2007 13:44:37 GMT
like I said - they just seem to stay around the queen, rather than explore for food!!?
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Post by smithy on Sept 16, 2007 12:44:31 GMT
If you have the ant world thinghow do you go about giving them water? If I just fill the littlepot thing up with water will they not drown in it?
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Post by dazzi41 on Sept 16, 2007 14:38:29 GMT
soak cotton wool buds in water so stop them from drowning
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Post by Jenny on Sept 16, 2007 14:56:33 GMT
With a plant spray, gently spray through the top onto the side of the plastic walls. The ants will drink from the droplets.
The pot is a feeding dish, but you could add another one with moist cotton wool. Do not leave water on its own in a large amount, as the ants will drown, always soak it up with cotton wool so they can draw from it.
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Post by Honeydewman on Sept 16, 2007 19:50:37 GMT
If it is possible carefully introduce some sugar water into where the workers are. If they feed on it and feed the Queen then allow them to forage themselves when they are ready after that. One feed of sugar water and things should start moving for you.. Good Luck. |
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Post by Formicalondon on Sept 16, 2007 20:40:39 GMT
I wouldn't suggest letting sugar water get in the farm area some is bound to get soaked up in the substrate and go mouldy. your colony is still young its the first workers, just have a little patience.
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Post by andy on Sept 16, 2007 21:36:34 GMT
I have put a wet sponge in the feeding tray, along with some dead flies. Also placed a damp sponge with sugar on in there. Should this be ok?
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Post by Wood~Ant on Sept 17, 2007 7:52:30 GMT
I have put a wet sponge in the feeding tray, along with some dead flies. Also placed a damp sponge with sugar on in there. Should this be ok? That should be fine Andy, as you are keeping the food source away from the nest site, and so this will greatly reduce any risk of mould/fungus contamination Don't let the soil inside your set up become bone dry though, it will still require some moisture adding from time to time. The best way to do this is to spray the surface for a few seconds with a fine misting plant sprayer. Do this about once or twice a month, and then allow it to dry out slowly between spraying times. |
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Post by smithy on Sept 17, 2007 15:04:34 GMT
Does the Queen not need any water then?
Sorry if these are really simple but these are my first ever ants!
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Post by theantkeeper on Sept 17, 2007 17:11:32 GMT
just keep the sand/soil damp and she will be fine. Remember don't worry about her, she knows what she is doing Andrew |
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Post by andy on Sept 17, 2007 17:45:27 GMT
My ant farm is always damp, there is like grass grown on the surface of the sand which helps to keep things moist - sound ok?
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Post by theantkeeper on Sept 17, 2007 17:48:22 GMT
That sound perfect, now all you need to do is wait for the colony to grow. Good luck with it Andrew |
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