4 replies to this topic

[FelixTheAnter]

Hi guys. Does anyone know how to make sugar water & protein gel? Or is it something I need to buy? Normally I don't feed this stuff, but I'm going on vacation for two weeks and don't have anyone to feed my ~50 colonies. So I want to give them something to last through most of my vacation. How long do these gels usually last? Can I make some with agar agar?

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you!

[Zeiss]

Sugar water mixture is easy with a ratio of 1 part sugar to 3 parts water if you want to make it yourself.  If you want pre-made mixtures, I really like byFormica's Sunburst.

 

Don't need protein gel, it wouldn't last anyways as it would just dry out.  You can just give them a decent sized meal before you leave and they should be fine while you're gone even if they lose some workers.

[FelixTheAnter]

Wouldn't it be better to have a sugar water gel & protein gel, even if it does end up drying out, because it will still mean they have food for several days after I've left?

[Zeiss]

No, if you have a proper liquid feeder, they will be fine.  If not, they will still most likely be fine with just water.

 

Also, if they dry out, they wouldn't be useful to them anyways.  Ants do not eat solid foods, only the larvae. 

 

They aren't as fragile as you would think.

Edited by Zeiss, July 17 2022 - 1:02 AM.

[ANTdrew]

If any species are granivorous, give them lots of seeds. Otherwise, invest in good liquid feeders like Zeiss said. If you really want protein gel, I’d just order some online.