Stressed Out Ants, Is It Too Late?

Discussions about the care and keeping of ants

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SamuelMamuel
Posts: 187
Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 10:24 pm

Stressed Out Ants, Is It Too Late?

Post: # 34871Post SamuelMamuel
Wed Apr 04, 2018 11:51 pm

This is my first and only ant colony. A small tetramorium colony around 20-30 workers. I got too eager and tried to persuade them into a nest much too early. They are now living in a very small section of drinking straw and refuse to come out for anything. I really need to get them into a new test tube with a good water source. but they refuse to leave for anything (lights, small movements, etc.) Have a doomed my only colony?
Colonies:
--Tetramorium Caespitum
--Camponotus pennsylvanicus
--Formica Sp.

PwnerPie
Posts: 105
Joined: Sat Mar 24, 2018 5:59 pm
Location: Seattle, WA

Re: Stressed Out Ants, Is It Too Late?

Post: # 34874Post PwnerPie
Thu Apr 05, 2018 8:32 am

Its all good! Ants are hardy, especially if they already have workers. Just put a drop of honey right outside the straw, and make sure they have a constant supply of water. Force moving them is the easiest way to kill a colony, just let them chill! And fill them up! Fat ants = happy ants! :D

If they wont come out for food (common) put the food very close to them, as close as you can without putting it on them..lol. They will eat if they are hungry and the food is close! =)
Keeper of:
1x Formica Pacifica
2x Camponotus Modoc
1x Tetramorium Immigrans
2x Lasius Sp

Founding:
3x Lasius Sp
2x Formica Argentea
2x Myrmica Rubra

GAN Farmer: 4 Colonies sold
Goal: Supply school science classes with colonies for learning.

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SamuelMamuel
Posts: 187
Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 10:24 pm

Re: Stressed Out Ants, Is It Too Late?

Post: # 34883Post SamuelMamuel
Thu Apr 05, 2018 8:26 pm

PwnerPie wrote:
Thu Apr 05, 2018 8:32 am
Its all good! Ants are hardy, especially if they already have workers. Just put a drop of honey right outside the straw, and make sure they have a constant supply of water. Force moving them is the easiest way to kill a colony, just let them chill! And fill them up! Fat ants = happy ants! :D

If they wont come out for food (common) put the food very close to them, as close as you can without putting it on them..lol. They will eat if they are hungry and the food is close! =)
So i shouldnt put the straw in a test tub eor anything? I should just leave it in the wide open with light?
Colonies:
--Tetramorium Caespitum
--Camponotus pennsylvanicus
--Formica Sp.

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idahoantgirl
Posts: 1521
Joined: Sat Sep 12, 2015 11:52 am
Location: Idaho, USA

Re: Stressed Out Ants, Is It Too Late?

Post: # 34886Post idahoantgirl
Thu Apr 05, 2018 10:17 pm

I would use the straw. It's helpful
Proverbs 6:6-8

Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.

Keeping Tetramorium immigrans, Tapinoma Sessile

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SamuelMamuel
Posts: 187
Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 10:24 pm

Re: Stressed Out Ants, Is It Too Late?

Post: # 34941Post SamuelMamuel
Sun Apr 08, 2018 8:48 pm

Good news, all. The ants have moved back into a test tube. I can tell, they are still a little scared, but I think over a week of no disturbance, they will be back to normal. Thank you for all the suggestions and help.
Colonies:
--Tetramorium Caespitum
--Camponotus pennsylvanicus
--Formica Sp.

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