5 replies to this topic

[alwayslearning]

I hope you are doing well.

I have 2 Myrmecocystus Mexicanus colonies (both in test tubes) with a good amount of workers.

I'm planning to move them to small formicariums, so, the old dilema of dumping or plugging and waiting hit me again.

 

How dangerous can dumping be for the ants? Particularly for Myrmecocystus. Or maybe, phrased in a more practical way, how big is the risk of stressing the Queen, killing her and the colony?

I have seen several videos (including one of nurbs) but I'm afraid of killing the colonies.

 

I will appreciate advice. 

Thanks for helping a still newbie

[ReignofRage]

There should be no issue with dumping them, it has been done numerous times by many people with no ill effect.

[Zeiss]

Dumping is the preferred method of most ant-keepers I know.  If you have repletes you will have to be a little more gentle with them, but everything else will be fine.

[UrbanOrganisms]

Not risky at all as long as you're gentle. Best way of moving any colony imo

[alwayslearning]

Thanks a lot, guys!

I will do it this weekend (I need to finish a couple of things in the formicariums, first). I will let you know. 

 

And yes, I have repletes... We will see how they do.

 

Have a great Holidays and as always, thanks for your help.

[dspdrew]

Only risk is with large repletes. They're like big water balloons that pop very easily.