Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

Welcome to Formiculture.com!

This is a website for anyone interested in Myrmecology and all aspects of finding, keeping, and studying ants. The site and forum are free to use. Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation points to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

My ants are not eating.

Started By ant man , Jul 1 2015 12:53 PM

Please log in to reply

10 replies to this topic

#1 Offline ant man - Posted July 1 2015 - 12:53 PM

Member

Members
11 posts

Hi, I just started my ant farm about 2 days ago and I noticed that my ants are entering the outworld but arn't eating the dried mealworms I have put on the feeding tray for them. They are also not drinking from the water feeder. I would like to know if this is normal for a new colonie or if I should change the food. Please answer. Thanks.

#2 Offline PTAntFan - Posted July 1 2015 - 1:00 PM

Advanced Member

Members
495 posts

LocationBurbank, CA

It's normal and you should change the food. Do you know their species? That would help to identify what they might like. There is a thread here on the topic.

LC3 likes this

PTAntFan----------------------------------Pogonomyrmex Californicus*****************************<p>I use the $3 Tower I made up. See it here.

#3 Offline dspdrew - Posted July 1 2015 - 3:32 PM

Owner

Administrator
9,858 posts

LocationSanta Ana, CA

If this is a new/small colony, you probably won't see them eating that much. When you have hundreds of ants in a colony, you're going to see at least a few of them eating almost all the time.

cpman likes this

My Ant Colonies | My Projects | Ants for Sale | Ant Keeping Products | Southern California Ant Map

#4 Offline drtrmiller - Posted July 1 2015 - 3:39 PM

Vendor

Members
2,714 posts

my ants are entering the outworld but arn't eating the dried mealworms

What species is this? Most ants won't touch freeze-dried insects like you buy in pet stores.

byFormica^® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.

#5 Offline ant man - Posted July 1 2015 - 3:47 PM

Member

Members
11 posts

my ants are entering the outworld but arn't eating the dried mealworms

What species is this? Most ants won't touch freeze-dried insects like you buy in pet stores.

The spiecies is formica fusca

#6 Offline Trailandstreet - Posted July 2 2015 - 2:26 AM

Advanced Member

Members
290 posts

Try some flies and honey or sugarwater. How large is the colony?

:hi: Franz

if you find any mistakes, it's my autocorrection. it doesn't speak english.

#7 Offline ant man - Posted July 2 2015 - 3:02 PM

Member

Members
11 posts

How large is the colony?

35-workers
1-queen

?-brood

#8 Offline Ants4fun - Posted July 2 2015 - 3:10 PM

Advanced Member

Members
1,142 posts

LocationSouth Dakota

Yeah, I have never had my ants touch dried insects.

Bobby_Hill likes this

#9 Offline Trailandstreet - Posted July 3 2015 - 12:11 AM

Advanced Member

Members
290 posts

Even my Messor barbarus doesn't touch freeze dried food.

:hi: Franz

if you find any mistakes, it's my autocorrection. it doesn't speak english.

#10 Offline Gregory2455 - Posted July 5 2015 - 2:33 AM

Advanced Member

Members
3,286 posts

LocationCalifornia

Is this supposed to be in this subforum?

cpman likes this

#11 Offline Gregory2455 - Posted July 5 2015 - 2:36 AM

Advanced Member

Members
3,286 posts

LocationCalifornia

But yeah, to take an attempt at asking your question, I have this species as well, and you really want to stay away from dry foods with them. Try fresh insects, sugar water, honey, or byFormica Blue 100 or Green 600, which are all things my colonies have liked.