3 replies to this topic

[Canadant]

Zoos have so far from how the were in the past. Animals are given food in thoughtful ways to increase brain development by forcing animals to problem solve - much like the wild.

My c. Novaeboracensis colony has really grown this year (3rd). I have alates and I believe I've seen a new super major in the formicarium. I found my colony this year to be smaller ants. I've since upped the stresses on the colony by adding still live yet gimped grasshoppers and crickets. I've seen the sizes increase.

However, getting to my point, I'm thinking about putting a block of wood in the outworld (or in a separate outworld). I'm thinking of doing this because some ants look bored (actually I thought the ants would be larger by now) and there is just not enough to do. Forage, work in the nest but no digging in wood a carpenter specialty. Think this is a good idea? I know they'll probably move into it but it my get everyone moving with excitement. It's what they're designed to do.

Also, if you have any other ant extra curricular activities for camponotus or any other species (I have formica, tetramorium, and others on the go) for that matter, please let us know.


I guess one idea I have is driftwood with lots of climbable braches. A branch that would create more surface area for the ants to search.

Sincerely

Canadant

[ponerinecat]

Ants literally sit in the founding chamber for days or weeks until there are enough workers to forage. If you're really concerned and they seem to act strangely,(it is normal for ants to not move for days on end,) then the best option is to increase the size of the foraging area and add extra tubing to new outworlds.

[Ikerrilove]

Zoos have so far from how the were in the past. Animals are given food in thoughtful ways to increase brain development by forcing animals to problem solve - much like the wild.

My c. Novaeboracensis colony has really grown this year (3rd). I have alates and I believe I've seen a new super major in the formicarium. I found my colony this year to be smaller ants. I've since upped the stresses on the colony by adding still live yet gimped grasshoppers and crickets. I've seen the sizes increase.

However, getting to my point, I'm thinking about putting a block of wood in the outworld (or in a separate outworld). I'm thinking of doing this because some ants look bored (actually I thought the ants would be larger by now) and there is just not enough to do. Forage, work in the nest but no digging in wood a carpenter specialty. Think this is a good idea? I know they'll probably move into it but it my get everyone moving with excitement. It's what they're designed to do.

Also, if you have any other ant extra curricular activities for camponotus or any other species (I have formica, tetramorium, and others on the go) for that matter, please let us know.


I guess one idea I have is driftwood with lots of climbable braches. A branch that would create more surface area for the ants to search.

Sincerely

Canadant

 

Some of the ones here travel the water hose from the river to the back yard. Back and forth like a highway so maybe add lots of tubes and such for them to travel to get what they need and have the goodies at random parts of the highway for them to have to search each one for? . They also love farming aphids in the trees, I see some FULL of Novaeboracensis and if you get close you can hear the leaves rattle as they start to run around. What about adding driftwood with a bunch of branches and put sugar stuff in it? 

 

Just a few observations from watching last year and this year lol I'm no expert that's for sure.

[Canadant]

I got some nice drift wood today so the can have some extra levels. I'm stoked for when I get home. Wish there were better ways to post pics on here. Those third party sites...I don't know.

Most forums I frequent just let you post from your library.

Side note: I've ordered the camponotus hybrid 2.0 large. Will help. They've dug through my mesh on the olf hybrid.
Oh well.

Sincerely

Canadant