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GravityGuy: Have I Made A Mistake?? (15. Dez 2007 13:51)

Hi there,

I have a feeling, after reading some of the forum posts, that I have made a mistake. Basically, I've ordered a starter kit from antstore with a queen and 4-10 workers (Lasius n iger). From what i have read, it is now going to be to cold for her to do anything and i'm worried that she might just die.

Can anybody tell me what the best course of action will be when i get her to give her the best chance of survival please?

Just wish i'd read the forum BEFORE i ordered!!

Thanks in Advance
Mikey :D

SteveUK28: (15. Dez 2007 14:12)

Hiya Mike..
it shouldnt be a problem they will already be cold from the post and prob in a state of hibernation. If i was you id check them over.. they should be fine.. and then stick them in a shed.. or ur fridge and hibernate them yourself.. and next yr they should be fine :)
Welcome to the forum friend :D

GravityGuy: (15. Dez 2007 14:21)

Thanks for the reply Steve. So should i not bother with the setup for now, just keep the test tube nice and cool (and dark)? Or should i put the open test tube into the setup? Also, do i need to feed them at all whilst their in hibernation?

Sorry, loads more questions but i want to make sure they are ok

Thanks
Mikey

SteveUK28: (15. Dez 2007 14:27)

its ok we was all the same.. im still learning myself.. No leave them in there test tube for now.. they wont move during hibernation anyway.. as for feeding them.. they should have pleny of water in the test tube and i doubt very much they will eat anything now.. howeva u can try them with a bit of hunny.. and maybe even a bug.. but im sure they wont want anything.. hope thats all ok :D

JimmyVe: (15. Dez 2007 18:04)

Hello GravityGuy and welcome,

Its always better to read first ;) Keep them in there tube until hibernation, they should be able to drink water and maybe a bit of honey, bugs would not be needed now because the brood is not active now. (if they are in hibernation.)

Good luck

GravityGuy: (15. Dez 2007 18:58)

Thanks for the responses. Looks like they'll be spending the winter in my fridge!! lol

From now on i'll read. At least i found the forum sooner rather than later after i had probably killed the queen ;-)

Mikey

JimmyVe: (16. Dez 2007 11:28)

From now on i'll read.

Sure do, there is plenty of good information here at the forum. ;)
(there is a good search engine at this site to)
Is this the first colony you are keeping ?