5 replies to this topic

[Deanmontague]

Hi guys!
Sorry for probably the 100th hibernation topic that gets asked each year.. you’re probably bored of it.

This is my first year hibernating my queens with workers, I have lasius Niger and caponotus herculeanus- what temperature should I hibernate them at and when? I live in the UK it’s about 15c currently but will drop. I have a shed in the garden but also the option of a fridge. Which one is better?

How long do I leave them in there for? My niger colony is in a tube with a small tub and I’ve put another fresh tube in next to it in the hopes they move into it because the old tube has basically ran out of water - although I’m worried they won’t move at all now because of hibernation - should I just leave them and let them use the other tube for a drink rather than a home, or force the move? Or move them into a small nest now?

They have one last batch of pupae and there must be 15-20 or so, I assume they’ll want to eclose these before they hibernate properly - if they all eclose the colony will be 50 big (only found this queen in july..)

[OiledOlives]

1. The fridge will be safer, as the temperature won't fluctuate as much

2. 3-4 months at 35-50F is the norm

3. Forcefully move them into a new tube if you're worried about water

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[T.C.]

I'd recommend a solid four months. Three months in my opinion is too short.

[Deanmontague]

Thanks guys. I'm a bit worried about forcefully moving a colony of 30+ workers and 20 pupae. I’ve done it before with colonies of 3-5 but never this big - would dumping them in by tipping the tube and tapping still work with a colony of this size? I figured an empty tube next to them with water in would still be enough for their water needs but if they’re hibernating I assume they might not move to it at all.. I tested and my fridge is 3-4c which is 37-39 Fahrenheit

If I hibernate them now I’ll take them out end of feb which will be 4 months

Edited by Deanmontague, October 30 2022 - 3:06 PM.

[Deanmontague]

Duplicate post by accident

Edited by Deanmontague, October 30 2022 - 3:06 PM.

[ANTdrew]

It is better to dump a larger colony than a tiny one since you have more workers to complete the move. Don’t worry about it.