Formica Colony Help

[MrSmiley]

I have had a small formica colony (3 workers) for a while and in the last couple of weeks they have come to a kind of stand still. They have not laid any eggs and do not seem to be eating much. I feed them every 5 days (A drop of honey and a small piece of lunch meat), and replace their water every seven and I don't disturb them except those times. I think they may be starting to hibernate but it seems a bit early for that. I you have any questions please ask me and I will try to respond as soon as I can. Thanks.

[Boomdale]

In another post someone also said that Formica may be starting to hibernate. I am unsure if this species starts earlier than others or what. I am unsure if my colonies are still laying or not. I do not have any Formica to help you

[TheRealAntMan]

I have had a small formica colony (3 workers) for a while and in the last couple of weeks they have come to a kind of stand still. They have not laid any eggs and do not seem to be eating much. I feed them every 5 days (A drop of honey and a small piece of lunch meat), and replace their water every seven and I don't disturb them except those times. I think they may be starting to hibernate but it seems a bit early for that. I you have any questions please ask me and I will try to respond as soon as I can. Thanks.

Your ants are likely preparing for hibernation. Formica don't overwinter their brood which explains the absence of brood.

[Boomdale]

See! I didn’t know I knew but I knew! Ha!

[AntsDakota]

That makes sense. If they don't keep brood, what's the point of wasting energy on brood that will die anyway?

[MrSmiley]

Thank you for all the help. Do you have any tips about hibernating formica. (This is my second year hibernating and my first with this colony.)

[AntsDakota]

Thank you for all the help. Do you have any tips about hibernating formica. (This is my second year hibernating and my first with this colony.)

Keep them in the fridge at about 40-50 degrees.

[MrSmiley]

How often should I feed them?

[MrSmiley]

When do they stop hibernating? Also, should I feed them while they are hibernating, and if so how often?