ANTSTORE World of Ants

[highered]

I just got my Polyrhachis dives from antstore with at least 3 queens and some winged ants. My question is they don't seem to like the protein jelly I gave them. Also what level of humidity is appropiate please? I am keeping them in a basin type setup with a small pond for moisture. They is already condensation on the sides as the lid is on due to the winged ants. I have also used sunflower oil on the sides to stop them escaping which seems to be working. Is sunflower oil ok for this species? Thank you.

[donbilbo]

Well, protein jelly may work on some ants but its still some artificial crap so better feed them some crickets or worms. Humidity is not a big problem with polyrhachis but condensation is allways bad. Its right to keep those ants covered but you could use some small fan on top of your lid! Oil tends to smear on the panes but other than that it allways works.

[highered]

I have just fed my Polyrhacis dives some raw defrosted organic chicken but they won't eat it. Does anyone have any ideas please or should I just try different meats like beef next time? Thanks.

[SteveUK28]

they def need bugs.. meat aint gonna do it.. go take a look at livefoods.. plenty of crickets there.

[akell]

I just got a colony and they seem to really go for canned tuna in water. I soak it for a couple of hours, cahnging the water three times to get what little salt there is out of the meat, like you used to do with salt cod, (is my age showing?). So, i offered them a teaspoon full, quite wet, and put the rest in the freezer for next time. I also have it on good authority that they like cat food/ dog food, especially the jelly part.
But they seem to get more exited for crickets, maggots and mealworms as Steve said.

[highered]

Thanks I will try some canned tuna or fresh fish. Someone has also mentioned egg which sounds interesting.

[highered]

I have feed my Polyrhacis dives some organic minced beef which have eaten so I am pleased to have finally found some meat that they eat. I find it suprising that they don't eat chicken (bird) but do eat beef (cow).