5 replies to this topic

[Canadant]

I have two C. Novoboracensis colonies, each with 6-10 workers, in test tubes. I guess this will regard all my up and coming colonies (Formica and Lasius as well).

What set up works best for you? I'm currently using the ants canada test tube portal for one colony as a mini out world and my other colony remains in a test tube. I find it difficult to manuever small bits of insects/honey etc in and out of both set ups. I'm thinking of placing the test tubes in outworlds and just letting them come and go as they please. I also notice the sometimes they keep garbage in the nest (insect legs etc).

I have tweezers. What do you do in this phase that you find most successful and comfortable?

Sincerely

Canadant

[AndersT]

I've tried placing test tubes with colonies of that size in outworlds before. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Your safest bet - albeit impractical - is to keep feeding them in the tube until they reach around 20+ workers. That's what I've had most success with at least.

[Canadant]

Appreciate the response. Thank you

[AndersT]

Appreciate the response. Thank you

 

No problem.

 

Another thing to note is that very young colonies with outworlds tend to have accidents - again, in my experience. I've had a lot of new workers from young colonies drown, get lost, and just generally not do well. It's a bit safer with more numbers. 

[Serafine]

I gave my Camponotus an outworld immediately after I received them (they were 4 workers), but then they're Camponotus which are too big enough to drown in most stuff.
Doing the same with my Lasius niger (only queen with brood), just to see how it works out. If you want drown-safe feeders us the byFormica Galileo ones.

Edited by Serafine, August 1 2017 - 12:23 PM.

[AndersT]

I gave my Camponotus an outworld immediately after I received them (they were 4 workers), but then they're Camponotus which are too big enough to drown in most stuff.
Doing the same with my Lasius niger (only queen with brood), just to see how it works out. If you want drown-safe feeders us the byFormica Galileo ones.

 

No doubt, it can be done. I've done the same thing with Camponotus sp. last year (mostly due to me being impatient ) and it went alright. They didn't explore much and had a hard time finding the food I gave them in time. The outworld was a bit bigger than it should've been though, so that's on me.

 

I just wouldn't recommend it if it can be avoided.