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fac383: Next Years Colony (5. Sep 2007 19:35)

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I'm already looking into starting a colony next year, as it's getting close to hibernation for this year (Especially in Northern Scotland!)

I started a Raptiformica colony this year, and I'm pretty much regretting using a hidden view nest. I thought I'd like it but, the next set-up will have a nest I can view from time to time.

So I'm gonna go for the ant-tower
http://www.antstore.net/shop/product_info.php/info/p31_Acryl-Ant-tower.html

So I have some questions, and generally open to advice or thoughts;

Any experience with this set-up? I've searched the site and only seen one picture so far........

If the dimensions are 800 x 200 x 200, does this mean that the back of the chambers open up, so that I could slide-in a 20cm y-tong nest bought from this site?

I haven't decided what species yet, but which N.European colonies are available to buy from this site from march/april onwards?

I want to get started early, the give the colony chance to grow spring to summer.
My Raptis' have been slow starters since I started them in August.

cheers All :)

JimmyVe: (6. Sep 2007 15:44)

I must say i have no experience with this setup (farm) so on that point i can not help you, but if you are looking for a species that would fit in there (with a y-tong nest in it) i think something like a Lasius niger they grow very fast ore a Formica fusca but they are much slower in growing (the colony i mean).

fac383: (6. Sep 2007 16:20)

Thanks.

Yes I was thinking about Lasius niger and their satellite nests. Will they be for sale on this site, in colonies, by early April?
Or will i have to wait for the new queens and brood to come later? and start from there. (I take it the store ants hibernate too)

I'd rather start with a colony as I get impatient !

cheers

JimmyVe: (6. Sep 2007 17:27)

They will be probably be for sale here at the site (but i can not say for sure). In deed they also keep a hibernation in the store. ;)

Impatient... Are you sure this is a good hobby for you ;) You will need much patient if you like to keep ants.

Greetings

fac383: (6. Sep 2007 19:17)

:)

Well, I meant mildly impatient .......ha ha

I just prefer to start with some workers, instead of queen only I suppose.

cheers

JimmyVe: (7. Sep 2007 16:18)

The good thing about starting with some workers, it is just easier, and you are sure the queen is healthy enough to start a colony, but it is no guaranty for a big colony.