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sianhilton: Messor barbarus (27. Apr 2008 18:26)

Have kept Messor b arbarus queen in airing cupboad, in testube in small cardboard box (with 1-2 brood)

6 weeks on found 4 workers and more brood things looking good.

I have now transfered test tube in to small glass next with sand / loamy mixture, and provided some bird seeds.

See horizontal Glass Box Formicary

http://www.mrowkoyad.pl/index.php?cPath=21

To make sure temp stays at least 25-28 degrees in 1/2 the nest I have placed heat mat at bottom covering 1/2 the nest only.

Questions

(1) Is it to early to put them into this set up?
(2) Is the nest set up suitable?

miszt: (27. Apr 2008 19:19)

Its never too early, the main reason for keeping them in the test tube is its easier to keep an eye on the early stages, which are the most dangerous for any colony

JimmyVe: (28. Apr 2008 16:09)

1) miszt answered that. ;)
2) In my opinion the nest looks rather small. And how do you keep them moist ?
Messor barbarus needs a part of the nest moist and one part dry. And they need heating.