3 replies to this topic

[JenC]

What is a good way to give my ants protein and carbs while I’m on Vacation. No one is around to take care of my ants during this time, and I add an extra test tube with water.

[drtrmiller]

If they have few or no brood, ants can survive extremely long periods (months) with almost no food.  They will die quickly without water, however.  If they do have brood, they may begin cannibalizing them when food runs out.

 

Offer the colony a test tube or liquid feeder filled with water, and one filled with diluted sugary liquid.  Feeding an insect right before vacation is typically fine. 

 

Depending on the species of ant, cooler temperatures may help to slow their metabolism and growth rate.  Ensure they are kept in an area with stable temperatures and well away from drafts to prevent the formation of potentially deadly condensation droplets in tightly confined humid spaces like test tubes or formicaries.

 

Ensure the colony is well-contained so they cannot escape while you are unable to care for them.

Edited by drtrmiller, February 24 2019 - 9:45 AM.

[Serafine]

Depending on the ants you can provide stuff like fish flakes or dry cat food. Some ants won't eat dry food (like my Camponotus barbaricus) but most of the common urban "pavement ant" species and all of the harvester ants will do (but then harvester ants will have a seed storage anyway).

Just make sure they don't run out of water and sugars, those are far more critical than protein food.

Edited by Serafine, February 24 2019 - 4:06 AM.

[JenC]

Thanks