Moving and first feeding questions.

Questions from those who are just starting or considering getting into the ant keeping hobby. If you’re intimidated or confused by the in-depth posts of the other sections of this forum, feel free to post here, and we'll start from square one!

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Drifter
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon May 16, 2022 6:31 pm
Location: Concord NH

Moving and first feeding questions.

Post: # 95717Post Drifter
Wed Aug 10, 2022 4:26 pm

First, can my queen and her one worker move all by themselves? I plan to move them from my homemade test tube to an AC test tube hooked up to a Test Tube Portal. Do I need more workers?

I have been feeding them drops of honey, but when do I feed them a bug? I was thinking Meal Worms. Is that a good choice?

All answers are appreciated.

Drifter.
Caretaker of the Obsidian Imperium (Camponotus Pennsylvanicas).

SolenopsisKeeper
Posts: 2402
Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2021 11:41 am
Location: United States, Florida

Re: Moving and first feeding questions.

Post: # 95755Post SolenopsisKeeper
Sat Aug 13, 2022 6:26 pm

Drifter wrote:
Wed Aug 10, 2022 4:26 pm
First, can my queen and her one worker move all by themselves? I plan to move them from my homemade test tube to an AC test tube hooked up to a Test Tube Portal. Do I need more workers?

I have been feeding them drops of honey, but when do I feed them a bug? I was thinking Meal Worms. Is that a good choice?

All answers are appreciated.

Drifter.
Yes, they can move, but not far. You must directly connect the tubes together for a move.

Mealworms are good, but crickets and flightless fruit flies are far better in my opinion, due to giving the ants small portions at a time. Mealworms are heavy, which is good to prevent mold.

Brood count on the queen? First feeding should be as soon as the worker exoskeleton hardens.
When you accidentally reply to yourself…

Drifter
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon May 16, 2022 6:31 pm
Location: Concord NH

Re: Moving and first feeding questions.

Post: # 95767Post Drifter
Sun Aug 14, 2022 7:03 am

She has about 2 cocoons, 2 pupas, and (about) 13 eggs. But I can get the test tube I want them to move too close to them, so they won't have to move far.

Whatever I feed them, how should I prepare it, should I crush It?

Also, how long would you say it can take for them to move?

As always, all answers are appreciated.

Drifter
Caretaker of the Obsidian Imperium (Camponotus Pennsylvanicas).

SolenopsisKeeper
Posts: 2402
Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2021 11:41 am
Location: United States, Florida

Re: Moving and first feeding questions.

Post: # 95781Post SolenopsisKeeper
Sun Aug 14, 2022 7:44 pm

Drifter wrote:
Sun Aug 14, 2022 7:03 am
She has about 2 cocoons, 2 pupas, and (about) 13 eggs. But I can get the test tube I want them to move too close to them, so they won't have to move far.

Whatever I feed them, how should I prepare it, should I crush It?

Also, how long would you say it can take for them to move?

As always, all answers are appreciated.

Drifter
I would wait for the pupae to hatch. It will make it a bit easier on the queen.

It doesn't need to be an insect, it can be chicken or eggs, or almost any table food.

It can take up to a month, but if their tube is dirty it will only take a day or two.
When you accidentally reply to yourself…

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