5 replies to this topic

[Jackb3794]

Hi All

 

Jack's Lasius Niger Queen is due to come out of hibernation this week, weather is warming up and she is starting to get active. The problem is the test tube is now quite dirty, and the water at the bottom is all but dried up so will need to move her to a new test tube. She does not have any eggs or workers. Is the a good way of doing this?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Anthony

[Alabama Anter]

If the queen has no brood, you could just knock her into a tube.

[andavane]

Hello Anthony, I remember Jack's Lasius Niger from last year.
Jack has done well in being so patient with his Queen.

I would suggest preparing a new tube by adding some clean water to it first, then a cotton wool plug.
I would then prepare a cover made of either red cellophane or cardboard which you can slide over the new tube.
Place a little food (on a tiny piece of foil) near the cotton plug.
Then using some tubing I'd connect the two tubes, making sure the new one has cotton wool wrapped round the tube she's moving into. Slide the tube cover over the new new to encourage her to move in.
  Alternatively, find a plastic box, and lay the dirty tube in it, alongside the new tube. Close the box making sure there are some air holes.

  You Google this, and look on YouTube too!
Good luck and let us no how things go!

PS: Another way is to connect the old test tube to a mini-outworld, then connect the new tube to the opposite end.
I've got that setup somewhere. Will arrange a photo.

[drtrmiller]

If the queen has no brood, you could just knock her into a tube.

Phrasing: gently tap.

Knocking may be a good way to put a dent in her.

[andavane]

[Jackb3794]

Hi All

 

Great thanks fro all your help and the link to the video

 

Anthony