5 replies to this topic

[Ants4ever7]

I have a queen who just came out of hibernation. She lost her first nanitics (about 5) in winter. I am feeding sugar water but am not sure if she has enough wing fat to raise more nanitics. Before I fed them lunch meat for protein but they didn't seem receptive. Can I feed her Peanut Butter for protein, are there any chemicals some brands put in that are harmful, can she re-raise nanitics or should I look for outside workers to give to her? Also any other potontial liquid or semi-liquid protein? Thanks all.

[ANTdrew]

What species are you dealing with? It is usually extremely difficult if not impossible for a queen to refound a colony after losing all her nanitics. Feeders insects are the best protein source if you really want to succeed with any ants. Save the peanut butter for your own bread.

[OwlThatLikesAnts]

I have tried to feed my colonies peanut butter but they did not accept it, I even tried to feed it diluted in sugar and honey, so yeah feeders are the best food source, I also have given my colonies ground beef and pork for protein and they enjoy it a lot.

 

and yes, peanut butter tastes much better on bread and not for ants.

[MyrmecologyMaven]

As OwlThatLikesAnts said the best protein is feeder insects and some meats such as ground beef or chicken (unseasoned of course). Peanut butter is not a good choice and will likely be ignored by the ants. As ANTdrew already said once a queen loses her nanitics she will likely not refound. I've sadly experience this with a few species over the years. I have saved a camponotus colony through brood boosting with pupae from a healthy colony before. Telling us the species of ant will make advice easier to give. Good luck with your colony!

[Ants4ever7]

I am in Mesa Arizona and I think she is Pheidole. She is light yellow-tan

[rptraut]

Hello Ants4ever7;

 

I've never had a colony accept peanut butter, but my  Tetramorium immigrans colonies do enjoy peanuts and cashews.

RPT