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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2011 16:24:42 GMT 1
Have had ants delivered, have put ants in the tank still in the tube and have taken the lid off! Not sure how long it will take for them to move into the nest? there have been some of the ants going in and out but they just seem to be moving bits of sand into the tube rather than any real intention of moving out. any suggestions of how long it will take - and any suggestions to help them along a bit would be gratefully received. I have put some sugary/honey in and water and some food for them. thanks Caroline
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Post by Myrm on Apr 8, 2011 16:27:19 GMT 1
Take my advice; leave them well alone - let them move out in their own good time.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2011 16:43:24 GMT 1
They know what they are doing and whats best for them, but make sure the nest is damp, not wet and fairly dark, that should encorage them
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2011 16:54:06 GMT 1
thanks! will bide my time and let them do their thing! quite amusing to watch already even tho they are just standing guard around the queen!!!!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2011 17:08:55 GMT 1
I got my ants just over a month ago and they stayed in their test tube for the first week but now they are starting to explore more and more. So my advice would be keep giving them a balanced diet and don't force them out.
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Post by Myrm on Apr 8, 2011 17:13:17 GMT 1
... So my advice would be keep giving them a balanced diet and don't force them out. That's good advice, tinyant bin lid. I'll exalt you when I get back on my labtop.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2011 17:59:48 GMT 1
Force moving ants can cause stress,injuries and later death.Place the test tube in the light (but not direct sunlight) and the nest in the dark (this can be enough to move them or sometimes the ants don't mind) Another thing I have tried is placing the ants on a downward slope (with the tube entrance at the lowest point) No more than a 20 degree slope though.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2011 18:23:40 GMT 1
Force moving ants can cause stress,injuries and later death.Place the test tube in the light (but not direct sunlight) and the nest in the dark (this can be enough to move them or sometimes the ants don't mind) Another thing I have tried is placing the ants on a downward slope (with the tube entrance at the lowest point) No more than a 20 degree slope though. I especially like the last part of advice there. Exalt+1 I have used that method to get ants to move into a nest before. Ants have a natural tendency to travel downwards so placing there tube on a slight angle will help encourage them to explore the nest and hopefully move into it. Using light to your advantage is definitely recommended as well. Flavus
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2011 11:05:59 GMT 1
Hi guys, ants still not moving from tube - eating loads tho! Have put the tube on a little lid so that is angled but they don't seem interested in moving. The tube they came in contains some fluid and that it plugged with what looks like cotton wool. Am I right in thinking that this maybe sugary water substance and they are drinking/eating this and that it why they are staying put?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2011 11:23:54 GMT 1
Yes it is probably water for them to drink. This won't stop them from moving. Is the testtube in the light or is it covered? I recommend it being in the light to encourage them to move out and dig. Make sure the soil is damp and not wet or dry too. And as mentioned before; most importantly, don't force them!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2011 19:30:58 GMT 1
My queen stayed in test tube for over a year best advice is she will go when ready
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2011 17:13:21 GMT 1
this may sound a bit bonkers but i think my queen has laid eggs in the tube!! very small white oval with a teeny black dot in side. Would this explain their reluctance to move? ?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2011 20:08:00 GMT 1
No it wouldn't explain their reluctance, they can carry eggs.
It doesn't sound crazy, thats how she got the first workers, laying eggs in the tube, and why you brought them ;D
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