EGoody05: Disappointment with colony (22. Feb 2008 23:20)

I have one queen and 4 workers
She laid 15 eggs and only one has developed to the cocoon stage - I am so disapointed after such a long wait
I will only get one more worker :(

At this rate it will take a year to get about 10 more workers
:shock:

Emilia

ashhad1: (22. Feb 2008 23:27)

Ya but there probably still in a kind of hibernation state so the growing process will take alot longer. Plus patients is of the essence in ant keeping and I myself go mad about it lol

EGoody05: (22. Feb 2008 23:42)

Thanks for the encouragement ashhad

Emilia :D xxx

tail__: (23. Feb 2008 10:25)

Colony development in first few months is always slow. Anyway, don't expect much activity now, in February - but all ant colonies in good condition have "baby boom" in summer.

SteveUK28: (23. Feb 2008 11:39)

Yes Goody u have to be patient this time of year.. Within a month she will start her spring boom.. and before you know it ul have 50 workers on ya hands.

EGoody05: (23. Feb 2008 19:05)

Wicked - well I shall be patient then ...

Emilia xxx

miszt: (24. Feb 2008 15:48)

What species is it?

Camponotus herc have a development of 18-24months from egg to worker, so a year isnt to bad lol :)

depends on the species how long they take, but 12 months is not unusual for new queens, as the larvae will usually hibernate and then hatch in the spring

keep them well fed, and your colony will grow fairly fast

mzfckr: (24. Feb 2008 16:53)

lasius niger, mizst

JimmyVe: (24. Feb 2008 18:37)

Don't worry at the end of this summer i'm sure you have plenty of workers to look at. ;)

miszt: (25. Feb 2008 23:24)

as jimmy says, dont panic :D egg to worker for lasius niger is around 12 weeks