57 replies to this topic

[ANTdrew]

Trust me, having your set ups and shelves covered with thousands of grain mites is NOT fun. Commercially raised feeder insects are notorious for grain mites. It’s easy enough to prevent them, which is why I started flash boiling everything I feed. Most of my feeders are already stored in the freezer, so I actually do both. It’s not exactly necessary, but I don’t want to risk it.

[gs5248]

I use those canned pre-killed insects you can get at pet stores, or online. They are super convenient, and were boiled so they are usually free of parasites. I guess a downside would be that after opening , you have to store the can in the fridge, but that is not that big of a deal for me. Though, some ant species won't accept them.

[Dino]

For protein I suggest you just buy mealworms. You don't really need to boil or freeze them because mealworms are generally safe. For sugars just some sugar water will work in like a 1:1 sugar to water ratio. Btw, what are they housed in? 

They are housed in a small sand ant farm. Is feeding flies ok too not fruit flies but house flies?

[gs5248]

Yeah, fruit flies are a really great food source. They are really easy to breed and care for, which is why I feed them to my ants regularly. Keep in mind the fruit flies I am talking about are the ones you get from the pet store. House flies are something that I would not risk feeding to my ants because they are pesticide resistant, and might pass on any potential pesticides they might be carrying to your ants. 

Edited by gs5248, February 17 2021 - 9:00 AM.

[Dino]

Thanks i won't feed it to my ant colony then in terms of fruit flies would you get flightless or just normal fruit flies?

[ANTdrew]

Wingless fruit flies are the easiest to deal with.

[Dino]

I also read somewhere you can feed ants dog food for protein does that also apply with cat food/treats?

[Dino]

Would you guys suggest flightless fruit flies instead of mealworms or vice versa?

[Scherme]

I also read somewhere you can feed ants dog food for protein does that also apply with cat food/treats?

My tetras will leave no trace of wet cat food left behind. I give them a small amount every now and then. The lasius seem to eat it to.

[Kaelwizard]

I also read somewhere you can feed ants dog food for protein does that also apply with cat food/treats?

I would just stick to insects for protein. Most ants probably won't eat cat or dog food.

[Dino]

Ok thanks since ants are quit picky i might try a few different foods with the colony and see which they like best

[gs5248]

Would you guys suggest flightless fruit flies instead of mealworms or vice versa?.

Well, since you have a small colony, I would suggest getting flightless fruit flies or Drosophila Melanogaster. Once your colony gets bigger, mealworms would be a better food source. 

Edited by gs5248, February 17 2021 - 11:08 AM.

[ANTdrew]

Variety is key, so cycle through all the options folks are sharing here.

[antsandmore]

Variety is key, so cycle through all the options folks are sharing here.

yes. also, not many people like to do this or know this, but Earwigs are awesome feeders and my ants looooooove them. but since they are a different species than mine, you can try them, but don't be surprised if they don't like it. Just a suggestion.

[Kaelwizard]

 

Variety is key, so cycle through all the options folks are sharing here.

yes. also, not many people like to do this or know this, but Earwigs are awesome feeders and my ants looooooove them. but since they are a different species than mine, you can try them, but don't be surprised if they don't like it. Just a suggestion.

 

This is the second time I have heard this. I may have to try it once I have a colony.

[ANTdrew]

Earwigs are fantastic feeders. I have a near infinite supply in my garden.

[Kaelwizard]

Earwigs are fantastic feeders. I have a near infinite supply in my garden.

I found a little family of them in my yard so I'll have to look in the summer. I may breed them.

[gs5248]

 

Variety is key, so cycle through all the options folks are sharing here.

yes. also, not many people like to do this or know this, but Earwigs are awesome feeders and my ants looooooove them. but since they are a different species than mine, you can try them, but don't be surprised if they don't like it. Just a suggestion.

 

I totally agree. My first colony was a tetramorium colony, and their first ever insect was an earwig. To this day it is still their favorite food.

[antsandmore]

 

 

Variety is key, so cycle through all the options folks are sharing here.

yes. also, not many people like to do this or know this, but Earwigs are awesome feeders and my ants looooooove them. but since they are a different species than mine, you can try them, but don't be surprised if they don't like it. Just a suggestion.

 

This is the second time I have heard this. I may have to try it once I have a colony.

 

you need to try them lol they gave my colony such a big growth boost

Earwigs are fantastic feeders. I have a near infinite supply in my garden.

I think I've caught too much... no can find 

[gs5248]

For me the earwig population in my backyard is at an all-time low. The Linepithema humile have hunted them down to near extinction.