sithmaster676: (1. Apr 2007 13:37)

yes i suppose the test tube is the perfect nest for them at the moment i think there about 14 ants strong without queen but there are plenty of larva that seemed to survive the winter hibernation so hopefully they will go when they are ready
i have also fed them some honey and mixed it with some water is this ok
Sithmaster676

JimmyVe: (2. Apr 2007 15:28)

I think that is just fine Sith. You don't need to mix the honey with water (you may do that but it is not a must) and make sure that there is just water for them to drink to. ;)

sithmaster676: (2. Apr 2007 16:39)

there is plenty of water left inside the test tube in which they came in and if they don't want that there is another test tube full of water if they want that instead.
they fed on the honey water mixture on Sunday they seem to like that a lot but only one worker was doing all the work and i suppose he fed the others inside but then they blocked up the test tube again so i suppose with there bellies full they won't forage for a little will :grin:
but still they haven't eaten any source of protein is this a problem or not?
Sithmaster676

JimmyVe: (4. Apr 2007 18:08)

Not really, they will if they need it. ;)

sithmaster676: (9. Apr 2007 08:12)

ok thanks
how often does a lasius niger colony of this size need to forage so i can adjust to there feeding habits the colony is only 14 ants strong.
Sithmaster676

JimmyVe: (9. Apr 2007 13:24)

That you need to see a bit for your self. ;)
I guess 1 or 2 times a week should do it.

But what i mean, if you give them 1 time a week food and a few days later they are all looking for food in the far you can feed them 2 times a week. If you feed them and they don't come after it in a few minutes (hours) you are feeding them to many.

Waldläuferin: (9. Apr 2007 15:17)

@ sithmaster676

keep cool.
the colony will get out if there isn't enough place or water.
the queen lives there since last year. it is her home (castle). in nature a queen will take a home and stay there for ever.
it could be a really big colony in a test tube.

sithmaster676: (11. Apr 2007 18:17)

yeah i suppose but they are very persistent about not coming out and i don't know why im still not sure whether to tip them out of the test tube
Sithmaster676

Sced: (11. Apr 2007 20:44)

Lasius niger are i believe nocturnal, ao they will most probably forage at night until they become a strong colony. This is what myn did.

sithmaster676: (12. Apr 2007 14:01)

thats great it has answered quite a few questions for me
Sithmaster676