Ant keeping questions

[Empi]

I just started an ant farm and would like to know the basics. I was just keeping some workers in a traditional style ant farm and they did ok. They dig and do there thing but they die off rather quickly. But today I just happened to find a queen and her small colony, she probly has only been going for a couple weeks or so. I gathered her up with about 25 or so of her workers and put them in there new container. I'm just wondering if they need a misting of water once in a while or not and what they eat. And if there is anyhting else I should know. Thanks in advance.

 

[PINK1081]

Do you know what kind of ant they are?? I have had several different kinds and find they are all different. I set up a small clear bottle with a sealed tube leading into the farm to use as a feeding area, that way you can remove uneaten food. You can than try different foods to find which they will eat. Honey is always a good start, also have had luck with cranberry juice(on a cotten ball), flies, crickets, apples and grapes. I have had some that will eat crickets but will not touch a fly, you will have to experiment. I have found at least 8 different ants within 30 feet of my back door. They can be interesting to watch. Good luck with your farm.
Jim

 

[Empi]

I don't know what kind they are. They are black, medium size and have very faint stipes on there abdoman.

 

[Empi]

Ants seem to be doing good but the queen is not laying eggs. The workers are digging and the queen is down in the tunnel. I even gave them some pupa to take care of, but still the queen won't lay eggs. I don't know whats wrong with her. Too stressed from the move maybe? I don't know but if anyone has any ideas I'm all ears. :?

 

[PINK1081]

Give her some time. They do go through seasonal periods where they don't lay eggs for a while. She should be Ok. I had some stop laying in the fall and not eat very much or lay any eggs untill spring, and they were inside in a heated room. Still went by the season of the year outside. Keep offering food and enjoy their activities.
Jim

 

[Empi]

Thanks for the info Jim. They are pretty fun to watch. Pretty amazing little buggers.