Queen feeding

Posts and questions relating to ant diet & nutrition. Let us know what you’re feeding your ants.

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antkeeper77
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Aug 26, 2020 10:26 am
Location: Gullbrandstorp

Queen feeding

Post: # 84469Post antkeeper77
Mon Oct 25, 2021 2:59 pm

Hi guys. I caught 3 lasius niger queens in the end/middle of august, and i wonder if i should feed them. Theyre still in their test tube setups, and none of them have gotten their nanitics. All of them have well developed larvae, so should i feed them lika a tiny bit of honey or something else, or should I wait? I caught them 9,5 weeks ago.

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CombinedHalo467
Posts: 149
Joined: Thu Jul 29, 2021 12:38 pm
Location: wisconsin usa

Re: Queen feeding

Post: # 84470Post CombinedHalo467
Mon Oct 25, 2021 3:53 pm

It is really up to you and your opinions but many antkeepers do not feed their queens during founding because naturehas given them all they need to survive and also feeding could disturb them and make them eat their eggs so i wound not but if their gaster looks small then I it probably fine but like I said its up to you.
A prenolepis imparis colony with repletes and a big queen also 10 chickens and 1 annoying brother.

Ants Are Awesome

antkeeper77
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Aug 26, 2020 10:26 am
Location: Gullbrandstorp

Re: Queen feeding

Post: # 84477Post antkeeper77
Tue Oct 26, 2021 12:56 am

Okay tnks

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antnest8
Posts: 1438
Joined: Tue Jan 02, 2018 2:11 pm
Location: Detroit, MI

Re: Queen feeding

Post: # 84508Post antnest8
Wed Oct 27, 2021 12:09 pm

Lasius Niger almost always waits until spring to start colonies. The queens may lay eggs and brood will develop, but it will slow and stop during hibernation.

Although not necessary, it is common for ant-keepers to feed a tiny drop of honey or other sugary substance to L. Niger colonies
Some of My Informative Sheets
https://forum.AntsCanada.com/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=19099
Includes :
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    Queen Hunting
    How To Identify Ants
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antkeeper77
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Aug 26, 2020 10:26 am
Location: Gullbrandstorp

Re: Queen feeding

Post: # 84524Post antkeeper77
Thu Oct 28, 2021 4:33 am

Thank you, i didnt know that. How cold should it be for them to hibernate?

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antnest8
Posts: 1438
Joined: Tue Jan 02, 2018 2:11 pm
Location: Detroit, MI

Re: Queen feeding

Post: # 84748Post antnest8
Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:46 pm

antkeeper77 wrote:
Thu Oct 28, 2021 4:33 am
Thank you, i didnt know that. How cold should it be for them to hibernate?
If you can provide it, somewhere around 50 degrees Fahrenheit 10 c as this is the average temperature of the soil 4 feet underground. If not, don't sweat. Do your best, but not everyone has a free mini-fridge available just for their ants
Some of My Informative Sheets
https://forum.AntsCanada.com/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=19099
Includes :
  • Ant Care Sheets
    Queen Hunting
    How To Identify Ants
Goal is to become #2 poster on the forum

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