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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 18:16:02 GMT 1
Hi,
Yesterday I got my Lasius Nigers. I ordered everything from antsuk.com, along with a special honey solution made by them. I put one tiny, tiny drop about the size of three workers in a petri dish. I am pleased to say that I came back to find all my ants apart from about six workers, who were at the bottom of the test tube looking after the queen and brood, having left the test tube and explored the foraging tank.
There were twelve workeds all around the honey with their heads stuck in - completely withered and dead. I promise the drop was absolutely tiny and not too high or anything. I think the problem was that antsuk.com made the consistency much too thick. I could barely squeeze it out of the container. they got stuck
I now have about six workers, who won't leave the queen...is this enough for them to set up the nest or will they all stay with the queen?
I contacted antsuk.com and they are happy to send me a whole new batch of ants and honey solution for free, if I see no workers straying in a week.
I also added some boiled water to the honey to make it more watery for future use.
Will the colony possibly thrive with six workers?
Anyone else had the honey problem? I am quite 100% sure they are dead.
Thanks!!
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 18:21:03 GMT 1
Did you mix the honey it with water. EDIT: They will still move in it will just take a bit longer.
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 18:30:06 GMT 1
The colony should do fine with six workers, only it appears that they will be experiencing a bit of a setback. The workers who are by the queen should forage once the colony gets hungry enough. Be sure to provide small insects for them to eat.
Thick honey can be dangerous to small ants.
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 18:36:10 GMT 1
Speaking of Insects do have any to feed ur ants?
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Post by Myrm on May 10, 2012 18:36:43 GMT 1
...I now have about six workers, who won't leave the queen...is this enough for them to set up the nest or will they all stay with the queen?...Will the colony possibly thrive with six workers? As long as there are workers to take care of the brood there is no reason why this colony shouldn't survive.
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 20:02:37 GMT 1
i had a simular problem all i did was get rid of the honey so no more ants die
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 20:32:18 GMT 1
Thanks, I hope they will survive. And yes, don't worry, I ordered a full ant food selection with many insects and little protein foods from a Reliable ant website. Thank you!
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2012 16:25:57 GMT 1
as the colony is a bit smaller now so thay will eat less so feed the 2-3 days with sugery foods 3-5 days with protien
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2012 11:50:32 GMT 1
Okay, thanks! Sadly more have died so I actually have six now (what I thought was six was eight). I emailed antsuk.com and they said that,after I described the remaining ants' behaviour of huddling near the queen and brood in the test tube, that I should move them to the nesting tank or they may never nest. I moved them to the slim tank quite easily, and have put a couple of tiny 'starter' holes for them to dig in, in the moist loam. They did not seem very disturbed by the move which is great.
On the cotton wool in the test tube were loads of eggs and larvae...so I smashed the test tube at the bottom and safely transported the whole piece of cotton wool and pushed it into the bunged up corner of the nesting tank, do they can reach together their brood and put them in a nest when they felt safe enough. The queen is wedging herself down one hole and the workers seem to help her. They have noticed the brood!
I am really fond of this little colony and hope that, despite the many obstacles, I will manage to let them flourish!
I put a few little insects and pollen bits in the nesting tank because I doubt they will travel to the outworld any time soon. My priority is keeping them alive for now.
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