6 replies to this topic

[WILLj]

Hi, I have am relatively new to antkeeping at the moment and I am raising a young colony of pheidole sp. The queens first generation of workers have recently arrived. There are currently 9 workers that eclosed roughly 5 days ago. I am a bit worried because apart from one very small piece of spider leg, the colony hasn’t eaten any protein foods. I have offered them other foods but they don’t really seem interested. Also, how often should I check up on them so as to not disturb the queen. Any feedback would be much appreciated, thanks.

[ponerinecat]

Hi, I have am relatively new to antkeeping at the moment and I am raising a young colony of pheidole sp. The queens first generation of workers have recently arrived. There are currently 9 workers that eclosed roughly 5 days ago. I am a bit worried because apart from one very small piece of spider leg, the colony hasn’t eaten any protein foods. I have offered them other foods but they don’t really seem interested. Also, how often should I check up on them so as to not disturb the queen. Any feedback would be much appreciated, thanks.

try nuts or other insects. spider legs have little protein.

[WILLj]

I will have to try some nuts, so far I have offered them spiders legs and bits of wasp, and mealworm. I will also have to try chia seeds because I heard somewhere that pheidole like them. Thanks for the feedback

[CoolColJ]

small ants so they don't eat much until over 100 workers.

Plus the queen will continue to feed the workers for a while

[Serafine]

Workers do not require any significant amount of protein to survive, larvae do. The workers will mostly drink sugars and don't eat too much. You can also try very small seeds like Chia as Pheidole species usually are semi-granivorous (mostly for their carbohydrate intake).

 

small ants so they don't eat much until over 100 workers.

Can't really confirm that. My Myrmica ate like 50 fruits flies every other day when they had 50-80 workers. I don't want to think about what they'll eat when they're a few thousands...

[Broncos]

Yes, the will take protein. Also try offering them some crushed walnuts, Chia, and quinoa. And a small drop of honey.
Edit: try Almonds as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited by Broncos, December 22 2019 - 6:35 AM.

[TennesseeAnts]

Workers do not require any significant amount of protein to survive, larvae do. The workers will mostly drink sugars and don't eat too much. You can also try very small seeds like Chia as Pheidole species usually are semi-granivorous (mostly for their carbohydrate intake).
 

small ants so they don't eat much until over 100 workers.

Can't really confirm that. My Myrmica ate like 50 fruits flies every other day when they had 50-80 workers. I don't want to think about what they'll eat when they're a few thousands...

Myrmica are also MUCH larger than most Pheidole, and are semi claustral.