3 replies to this topic

[jpalves]

Hi. Can I boost Pheidole queens with workers from a stablished colony? It has been about three months and they only have eggs.

[antmaniac]

Better boost with brood and pupae, with a carer worker (the one full with food and next to the brood). Otherwise if just workers, they may run away or attack the queen or do nothing. Since most ants outside the nest are just scouts and hunters, which are quite old and designated for defending, combat other ants and fetching foods. Also you should consider give your queen some honey, so they can feed the larvae once hatched.

Edited by antmaniac, November 19 2015 - 2:30 PM.

[jpalves]

Thanks Antmanic. I give them a drop of sugar water every month since I found them just in case they spend the "wing muscles" reserves, unfortunatelly no pupae untill this moment.

Edited by jpalves, November 23 2015 - 12:32 PM.

[antmaniac]

It is really slow at start for Pheidole. Mine took at least 2 months for the first nanitic worker. With brood boost, now my colony really improved in growth rate. Partly due to the nanitic workers are like half the size of the brood boosted workers. Nevertheless I think it is good to experience with every stage, but patience is definitely required. I prefer natural honey for the queen since it may contain other nutrition she need.