stringboy: My ants keep dying (19. Apr 2008 13:33)

Greetings everyone,

I got my Niger colony in mid Feb, 1 queen + 5 workers. In that time to now 4 new workers arrived, but the fatality rate has claimed 3 workers.

I am nearly back to were i started. There are about 8 cocoons and about 30 eggs but the rate at which they are dying is alarming!

Am i doing something wrong?

Oh they have fresh water in a test tube, and sugared water in a dish and they get fed on the odd fly.

Alby: (19. Apr 2008 14:21)

now are they living in a test tube??do you have covered the nest and is it peaceful from lights and noise?

stringboy: (19. Apr 2008 14:29)

They live in a basin filled with sand, they are covered and quite peaceful.

one side of the basin can be uncovered for viewing.

Felix: (19. Apr 2008 17:16)

maybe it's too hot or too cold or too wet... there can be so many things that can have an influence...

JimmyVe: (19. Apr 2008 17:46)

Yes maybe you keep them to warm or to cold. Also don't make the nest to wet, keep it moist not wet. ;)

stringboy: (20. Apr 2008 14:29)

Thanks Guys,
I think now, that the room i keep them in gets quite cold at night, our Northern Ireland climate has not made it out of winter yet! I will try and keep them warmer. Will let you know if there are any more fatalities.

Felix: (20. Apr 2008 14:38)

ok. I hop they'll make it. good luck!

JimmyVe: (21. Apr 2008 21:05)

And how are they now stringboy ? Are there still dead workers ?