Camponotus subbarbatus questions

[xTNxANTMANx]

So I have three Camponotus subbarbatus queens in test tubes and two of which have workers already. My question is when should I start giving protein and sugars? I think I should be since there are workers now but I am just wanting to make sure. One has three workers and the other has 5 or 6 i believe. Also does anyone have any suggestions what I should offer them? I have termites atm I use to feed my Aphaenogaster colonys. Would those work since there are so few workers?

[JackPayne]

Definitely feed them something, because your queen ants energy banks will have all but run dry.
Either protein or sugar is fine as far as I know just give them something for some sustainance.

[xTNxANTMANx]

Ok so I have yet another question , as you know, 2 of these have workers already...I have been reading/researching and my question is, should I put these in a foraging area to feed them or feed them directly in the test tube as I have been? They are doing great as is but I know they will want a place to dump their garbage...so yea. What would be the better solution? I have been cleaning their waste up out the test tube but also know it may cause the queens a little stress by doing so. Thanks again everyone.

[JackPayne]

Ok so I have yet another question , as you know, 2 of these have workers already...I have been reading/researching and my question is, should I put these in a foraging area to feed them or feed them directly in the test tube as I have been? They are doing great as is but I know they will want a place to dump their garbage...so yea. What would be the better solution? I have been cleaning their waste up out the test tube but also know it may cause the queens a little stress by doing so. Thanks again everyone.

D you have a test tube portal? If you do use that if not, just use a little plastic container to place food.

[xTNxANTMANx]

I have homemade test tube portals . Roughly the same size but only $0.88! Can't beat that lol. Though they require like 15 mins of drilling and all that (they are thin clear plastic containers). I shall post pics when I get home later. I was thinking of using one tho.

[JackPayne]

I have homemade test tube portals . Roughly the same size but only $0.88! Can't beat that lol. Though they require like 15 mins of drilling and all that (they are thin clear plastic containers). I shall post pics when I get home later. I was thinking of using one tho.

That's a good idea. I'd also like to see them, they seem like a good cheep alternative for portals.

[JackPayne]

I have homemade test tube portals . Roughly the same size but only $0.88! Can't beat that lol. Though they require like 15 mins of drilling and all that (they are thin clear plastic containers). I shall post pics when I get home later. I was thinking of using one tho.

That's a good idea. I'd also like to see them, they seem like a good cheep alternative for portals.

[Jadeninja9]

I have homemade test tube portals . Roughly the same size but only $0.88! Can't beat that lol. Though they require like 15 mins of drilling and all that (they are thin clear plastic containers). I shall post pics when I get home later. I was thinking of using one tho.

Teach me your ways

[xTNxANTMANx]

, sure thing. I need roughly...4 hrs till I get home from work and I'll take pics of b4 and after. I'll let you guys know what I did and where I got them. The only thing I still need to do is the lids...I've got to find/buy screen small enough. I have found some on eBay but still looking to make sure I get the best. I like the screen AC uses on the bottom of their nests but can't seem to find anything like it.

[xTNxANTMANx]

Hey guys, if you check out the tab "Formicariums and Setups" you will see my homemade test tube portals... Hope you guys like it and hope it helps with your ant setups . Tell me what y'all think too