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4mykids: Live and learn (28. Sep 2007 15:21)

Ok, my very first formicarium was made of just plaster - this got moldy sooo fast and wasn't natural. My next formicarium I used 50/50 plaster and perlite - this was better but still not so natural.

My formicarium I made recently is best. It is a mixture of 40% plaster, 20% perlite, 20% sand and 20% real fine wood sheddings. This is great - smells natural, absorbs water great and the plaster holds it all together when I drill the tunnels and cavities for them.

I know... pictures - coming soon.

Ok - my question is this - I have a carpenter Queen that laid eggs over 2/3 months ago, got stressed ate them and did nothing for weeks. I fed her honey and some cricket often and left her alone. I noticed yesterday that she had two eggs in her tube. Should I keep her out of hibernation to better the chances of them hatching?

miszt: (28. Sep 2007 15:39)

yeah i wuld personally, we often have mild winters in europe until december, so it shouldnt be to much of a problem for her to wait a lil while before she hibernates :)

4mykids: (28. Sep 2007 15:42)

Thanks miszt, I'll have some nice pics for you.

mzfckr: (28. Sep 2007 16:52)

cant wait for the pics

JimmyVe: (28. Sep 2007 17:12)

Hibernation is needed but in this case you better keep her out hibernation until the first workers hatch and than let them go in hibernation, give them a bit shorter hibernation this year than (about 2-3 months).

Good luck.