12 replies to this topic

[antmaniac]

Just wondering, has anyone tried this? This would prevent grass seeds from sprouting even if the ants are storing them.

[iXvXi]

I know flaxseed looses about 5-10% Alpha Linolic Acid when boiled. Depending on the seed I'm assuming you could potentially loose some nutritional aspects if boiled.

I would think they would have to intake just a tiny bit more to offset anything if anything changes at all.

Than again germinating seeds can potentially be a source of harmful bacteria so boiling would potentially be a positive effect.

I'm no professional though!

[antmaniac]

I know flaxseed looses about 5-10% Alpha Linolic Acid when boiled. Depending on the seed I'm assuming you could potentially loose some nutritional aspects if boiled.

I would think they would have to intake just a tiny bit more to offset anything if anything changes at all.

Than again germinating seeds can potentially be a source of harmful bacteria so boiling would potentially be a positive effect.

I'm no professional though!

Good comment about the nutrition lost, I was bit worry about this too. I may just give them a little amount to help them as an extra nutrition boost and hopefully avoid the seed hoarding. Also give the wild nest outside the boil seed to see how they prefer the tast too.

[ctantkeeper]

try it out, and make sure to tell us what seeds you used and how it worked out for you, i would love to see if it actually works

[Gregory2455]

I give Pogonomyrmex a variety of seeds including grass. I do not even boil it though.

[antmaniac]

I give Pogonomyrmex a variety of seeds including grass. I do not even boil it though.

I just a bit worry about germinating within the nest.

[dspdrew]

 

I give Pogonomyrmex a variety of seeds including grass. I do not even boil it though.

I just a bit worry about germinating within the nest.

 

 

Why is that such a problem?

[antmaniac]

I give Pogonomyrmex a variety of seeds including grass. I do not even boil it though.

I just a bit worry about germinating within the nest.

Why is that such a problem?

It would make a mess and take up the spaces within formicarium.

[dspdrew]

I doubt it would grow into a jungle. Mine never have, I just get a sprout every now and then. Pogonomyrmex like to cut down any plant growth.

[antmaniac]

Sprouts take up space, then the ants can't remove it. In the wild, it is good since the new grass means more seeds for future food source. I guess it depends on the ant species too.

[Gregory2455]

I would love seeds germinating in my Pogonomyrmex nests.

[Subverted]

Freezing would be a safer option than boiling... Boiling will leech all kinds of goodies out of the seeds.

[antmaniac]

Freezing would be a safer option than boiling... Boiling will leech all kinds of goodies out of the seeds.

Would freezing prevent germinating though? That is another question.