Hyugo's Guide to Ant Keeping

​At the start, research the type of species that you would like to raise a colony. An Ant queen you can either catch or buy one once you have a queen you can put her in a test tube with most with water and cotton to stop it from overflowing. Use a cotton ball to block the entrance this stage is called the founding stage. You are going to have to wait for a month or two depending on the type of queen species. Once every two weeks dab a drop of honey, I find this helps the queen in the founding stage to support her growth and development. Depending on the ant species, they may require a different amount of honey. 

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Sustaining a colony   

 

There are three main points of sustaining a colony. First, feed the ant colony foods with carbs and protein. The carbs help sustain the colony and the protein helps the growth of the pupae and larva. Depending on the number of workers, on average the colony should be fed once a week. For example, a small colony between 5-10 workers will need to be fed once or twice a week. Medium / Large. 

 

Second, make sure they have enough moisture to live on. 

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Step 3, keep the test tube clean by getting a cotton bud and carefully inserting it into the test tube trying not to disturb the queen. If you notice mould, use the cotton bud to wipe away the mould. If you're unable to remove the mould, prep a new test tube and connect it with sticky tape or blue tac. After you've connected your new test tube, the queen needs to move into the test tube. To help the queen relocate into the new test tube,

wrap the text tube around in aluminium foil to simulate an ant nest or a founding chamber. Ants prefer compact and dark spaces. If you have a stubborn colony or queen, I recommend that you shine a dim light into the old test tube because they do not like the light. 

 

Regular Care Routine

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On a regular basis, feed the colony with food full of high protein and carbs. These nutrients will stimulate growth and sustain the colony for a long time. After the ants have eaten, your job is to remove any leftover scraps.

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Feeding - When do you feed your ant colony?

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Small Colony - From 1-10 Workers - Feed twice a week

Medium Colony - From 11-50 Workers - Feed two-three times a week

Large Colony - From 51 and Up Workers - Feed three-four times a week

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