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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2011 22:17:10 GMT 1
Now I am in a tricky situation Me and me family are leaving the country this summer - and by leaving I mean - never to return With all that upcoming - I don't know what to do with my ants... I have three options in mind 1st - my local school is rather interested in taking over but there is no one with at least a bit of experience in keeping ants. 2nd - I could just let them go - all nice - but cmon - I've had them only for a year and a half... 3rd - risk it and take the trip real risky - but hey, I am keeping my ants... Would be rather thankful for your opinions on this...
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2011 22:21:41 GMT 1
1.What ants do you have 2 where are you going??
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Post by animal123 on Feb 23, 2011 23:30:40 GMT 1
I have voted taking them with you as the journey will cause stress but if it is not too bad the ants will adapt and survive well.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2011 23:45:39 GMT 1
It all depends on where you're going. If it's not too far, and all your ants occur there too, I'd say take them. However, some places actually ban the import of ant queens, so be careful.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2011 20:01:30 GMT 1
I am afraid the risk is real big... 4 day travel to Belgium Lasius Niger... The setup is very mobile, I mean I had carried it to a presentation in school - and they were perfectly fine, but that was me walking, and the trip is probably gonna be in a car - and not sure if you are familiar with the roads in east Europe - but once you cross the German - Polish border - they get pretty bad, so more than half of the way the road will be somewhat bumpy...
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2011 20:06:06 GMT 1
Change their nest to a ytong or plaster nest so the tunnels dont collapse
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2011 20:17:13 GMT 1
Hmm, if I were you I'd either let them go or give them to your school.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2011 21:19:27 GMT 1
Like ttttt said it would be best to transfer them to a y-tong, plaster, cork, pumice or any other type of nest with pre-made tunnels and chambers. I would also suggest wrapping the nest up in several layers of bubble wrap and making sure it is in a place where the nest will not move around.
Lasius niger is a pretty hardy species. The only problem I can see is the could die from stress or it could get to hot for them. Lasius niger queens seem to fail a lot due to stress. Remember to check their water every night. I would suggest feeding them foods high in sugar before leaving and not feed them for the four day travel. The food would be a hassle to store and the colony will be able to survive four days without food if they are properly nourished before the journey.
Best of luck,
Flavus
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2011 13:17:24 GMT 1
Thnx for the ideas I think I'll try the risky option and try to take'em with me.... but how can I make them move to a new place? getting them into the current setup a year ago was quite hard, how can I do it now?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2011 13:54:30 GMT 1
Place food in the new nest and none in the old,Place one nest in the light and the other in the dark,Warm one nest very lightly to get them to move to cooler conditions but not too warm
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2011 14:07:08 GMT 1
Good advice INBL
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2011 17:22:54 GMT 1
I think the ants would probably move to the warmer location at this time of year.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2011 17:32:50 GMT 1
not directly on the nest..........once nest temps peak 20 C the queens doesnt like it.During our summer the queens retreat from the heat maybe three or four feet into the ground but in spring at 15C she comes up to warm up
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Post by animal123 on Feb 25, 2011 18:01:28 GMT 1
Yes. Try to make the nest they are in know uncomfortable such as leaving it in a place where there is lgiht ( Not direct light ). Keep the nest that you intend to use warm, moist and make sure it is dark.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2011 18:04:57 GMT 1
Why not direct sunlight?
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