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Hydrating plaster nests in hibernation

Started By FelixTheAnter , Oct 23 2021 10:21 AM

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#1 Offline FelixTheAnter - Posted October 23 2021 - 10:21 AM

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It's easy enough to make sure ants in test tubes have enough water for hibernation. But what do you do with plaster(or similar material) nests? How do you make sure they stay hydrated properly?

I have a few nests that are plaster in mason jars, and one large one that is plaster in in a tall 5l food storage container. (The big one only has a single exit point - a hole that leads to a separate outworld)

I hibernate in my 8°c fridge

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#2 Offline ANTdrew - Posted October 23 2021 - 11:17 AM

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LocationAlexandria, VA

Water will evaporate at a slower rate in cool temps. Aim to hydrate regularly, but less than you did in the summer. It will take some trial and error at first.