What To Do When Your First Worker Arrives - AntsCanada Tutorial #20 [HD]

Summary

In this tutorial, AntsCanada guides first-time ant keepers through the exciting process of welcoming their first worker ants. Advice includes waiting until a few workers emerge, feeding them liquid honey, and gradually introducing protein sources. Tips on moving ants to a formicarium and maintaining proper hydration are also provided, ensuring a smooth transition for both the ants and their keepers.

Takeaways

• 🎉 Celebrate the arrival of your first worker ant as it marks the beginning of a complete colony.
• 🧐 Stay calm and avoid disturbing the colony, especially in the initial stages after the first worker emerges.
• 🕰 Be patient and wait for two or three workers to emerge before making any changes to the colony.
• 🛡 Allow the new workers time to harden their exoskeletons, which can take up to a week after they eclose.
• 🍯 Start feeding the ants with liquid food such as a drop of honey, which the queen can also benefit from.
• 🦗 If ants appear restless, offer a small protein source like a cricket leg after they have had honey for a few days.
• 🚫 Avoid using outdoor flies due to the risk of pesticides, which could harm the young colony.
• 🍎 Use fruit flies if available, but ensure they are not exposed to pesticides.
• 🏠 Move the ants from a test tube to a formicarium when they have a good number of workers and are feeding healthily.
• 💧 Ensure the ants have access to moisture, either by moving them to a new setup or hydrating the formicarium.
• ❄️ Be prepared for the upcoming hibernation season and watch for more videos on how to manage it as it approaches.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the tutorial by AntsCanada?

The main topic of the tutorial is what to do when you have your first worker ants in a new ant colony.

Why is the emergence of the first worker ant significant for ant keepers?

The emergence of the first worker ant is significant because it marks the beginning of a complete ant colony.

What advice does the tutorial give for celebrating the arrival of the first worker ants?

The tutorial suggests staying calm, celebrating with something like popping champagne, but also keeping the colony undisturbed.

What is the recommended waiting period before feeding the new worker ants?

The tutorial recommends waiting about a week before feeding the new worker ants, allowing their exoskeleton to fully harden.

Why might ants reject food immediately after emerging as workers?

Ants might reject food immediately after emerging because their mouthparts and internal parts are still hardening or developing.

What type of food is usually the first to be accepted by new worker ants?

New worker ants usually readily accept liquid food, such as a drop of honey.

What should be done if ants seem restless after being fed honey?

If ants are restless, the tutorial suggests providing them with a small piece of insect or protein source, like a cricket leg.

What is the importance of using fruit flies as a food source for the ants?

Fruit flies can be used as a food source, but it's important to avoid using flies from outside to prevent potential pesticide contamination.

How long does it usually take for a new colony to start feeding healthily?

It usually takes about two weeks for a new colony to start feeding healthily.

What is the recommended action when moving ants from a test tube to a formicarium?

When moving ants to a formicarium, it's recommended to wait until there is a nice group of workers and ensure the formicarium is properly hydrated.

Why is it important to maintain moisture in the ant setup?

Maintaining moisture is important to prevent the setup from becoming moldy or dry, which can be detrimental to the ants' health.