16 replies to this topic

[AntsMAN]

I'm thinking of buying a small refrigerator for hibernation this year, we just got a wood stove and I don't think its going to be cold enough in my hall way anymore, and my shed is to cold.

Please give me your thoughts and techniques, I don't want another failed hibernation.

[Subverted]

I think Drew uses a wine cooler he found on craigslist...maybe you should consider that direction instead of a fridge?

[dspdrew]

http://www.formicult...nation-cabinet/

[AntsMAN]

Thanks guys, Looking at getting this one.

 

http://www.walmart.c...e-cooler/737801

[Subverted]

Looks pretty solid, just make sure you check CL first in case someone is getting rid of one for a steal!

[altmoola]

Another thing to do is make sure you put a verified temperature gauge inside so you can be sure the temperature inside the cooler is the same as what the display says. Especially if you buy a used one from CL.

[dspdrew]

The temperature varies quite a bit in mine depending on where you are measuring it from. The only place where the temperature is as low as the readout says is right in front of the cooling plates in back.

[Jeoff82]

All mine are native UK or Northern Europe species so the loft is a good place to keep them.

[Jeoff82]

Protected from frost in the winter but still cold enough to hibernate which is normally around -4c to 0c at night

[ParaStatic]

I use a wine fridge in the winter, set to red wines. Worked great last year.

[dspdrew]

Do you still have that crazy thing you rigged up? Your incubator or whatever it was.

[ParaStatic]

Do you still have that crazy thing you rigged up? Your incubator or whatever it was.

Sure do, but I have changed it some and it works better now than ever before. All my queens reside in it and have had an amazing season this year. (Outworlds for large colonies are outside of it)

[Saftron]

Can you post pictures Id really to like to see it Para!

[ParaStatic]

Can you post pictures Id really to like to see it Para!

I am out of town right now, but next time I am in town I definitely will.

[AntsMAN]

I couldn't find a wine cooler cheaper than the small fridge I found for 130.00 tax and shipping new. Will be here Friday.

http://www.walmart.c...k/6000192327001

 

When hibernating, Water, sugar, hydrate nest, and only larvae can survive, no eggs or cocoons.

Is it best to slowly cool them down or just put them in at 5-8C?

Edited by AntsMAN, September 26 2016 - 3:22 AM.

[Shareallicu]

I'm thinking of buying a small refrigerator for hibernation this year, we just got a wood stove and I don't think its going to be cold enough in my hall way anymore, and my shed is to cold.

Please give me your thoughts and techniques, I don't want another failed hibernation.

I'm new to this, what exactly do you mean when you say a "failed hibernation"

[AntsMAN]

 

I'm thinking of buying a small refrigerator for hibernation this year, we just got a wood stove and I don't think its going to be cold enough in my hall way anymore, and my shed is to cold.

Please give me your thoughts and techniques, I don't want another failed hibernation.

I'm new to this, what exactly do you mean when you say a "failed hibernation"

 

 

Last year due to my inexperience, and lack of knowledge I accidentally kill most all of my ants.

I let them dry out and may have exposed them to freezing temperatures during hibernation.