Feed my queens?

[AJWhit22]

I have been keeping three black camponotus ants (not sure what specific species) and they still in the forming stage with their brood mostly still larva with a couple pupae. Recently they have begun pulling at the cotton and it appears that they want to get out. Does this mean they are hungry and I should feed them a little bit of honey?

[AntsDakota]

I have been keeping three black camponotus ants (not sure what specific species) and they still in the forming stage with their brood mostly still larva with a couple pupae. Recently they have begun pulling at the cotton and it appears that they want to get out. Does this mean they are hungry and I should feed them a little bit of honey?

It is completely unnecessary, as the queens have enough reserves in their wing muscles to go months without food. But you can if you want. Just feed them after their workers arrive. My colony currently has 5 workers.