Ant Farm: How to Do A Test Tube Setup for New Queen Ants | AntsCanada Tutorial #35
Summary
TLDRIn this tutorial, Ants Canada demonstrates how to set up a test tube for a queen ant, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and sterility. The video explains the process, from acquiring test tubes and cotton to creating a moist environment for the queen. It also discusses the differences between fully and semi-claustral species and provides tips for feeding and maintaining the colony.
Takeaways
- 🐜 The video is a tutorial on setting up test tubes for queen ants, which is considered the best way to start an ant colony.
- 🌟 Two types of test tubes are mentioned: glass and plastic, with plastic ones often included in ant kits.
- 💧 Local floral shops can be a source for test tubes, known as water picks, which are used to keep flowers fresh.
- 🧪 Sterility is crucial in the setup process, including clean instruments and test tubes, to prevent mold and disease.
- 💦 Bottled or purified water is recommended for filling the test tubes, though tap water can also be used.
- 🌱 Cotton is used to create a moist environment in the test tube, which is essential for the queen ant's comfort and egg-laying.
- 🌡️ Test tube setups allow ants to hydrate and regulate their environment, choosing between moist and dry areas for egg-laying.
- 🌑 Keeping the queen ants in the dark is beneficial for their development, as it mimics their natural environment.
- 🍽️ Feeding should be initiated when the queen has a few workers and shows signs of needing food, such as pulling at the cotton.
- 🏠 The video suggests using a small container for feeding the ants in the test tube, simulating an outworld environment.
- 🌱 The queen's egg-laying can vary, sometimes happening quickly or even being delayed until the next year, depending on the species.
Q & A
What is the main purpose of the test tube setup for ants as explained in the video?
-The test tube setup is used to start an ant colony, providing an environment for the queen ant to lay eggs and raise her young, mimicking the claustral chamber they create in the wild.
Why is it recommended to use clean instruments and materials when setting up a test tube for ants?
-Cleanliness helps prevent the introduction of fungus or bacteria into the test tube, which could lead to mold outbreaks and diseases, ensuring a sterile environment for the queen ant and her offspring.
What are some alternative sources for test tubes mentioned in the video?
-Alternative sources for test tubes include visiting a local floral shop for water picks, buying from a science supply shop, or even purchasing them from a pharmacy in some countries like the Philippines.
What is the significance of hydrating the cotton in the test tube setup?
-Hydrating the cotton allows the ants to hydro-regulate, meaning they can choose the moisture level for laying eggs based on their preference, which can be crucial for the survival and development of the brood.
How often should you check on a queen ant in a test tube setup according to the video?
-It is suggested to check on the queen ant once a week, but to minimize disturbance, especially during the initial stages of the colony's development.
What is the recommended environment for a queen ant in a test tube setup?
-The queen ant should be kept in a dark and warm place, such as a bearded dragon room or an outdoor kitchen in the Philippines, to promote faster brood development.
How does the test tube setup benefit the ants in terms of water availability?
-The test tube setup provides the ants with all the water they need, eliminating the necessity for the queen to leave the claustral chamber to find water.
What should you do if the cotton in the test tube starts to mold excessively?
-If the cotton shows signs of excessive mold, it's time to move the queen to a new test tube to maintain a healthy environment for the colony.
When should you start feeding a fully claustral species of ants in a test tube setup?
-For fully claustral species, feeding should begin when the queen has around ten workers, or when they show signs of wanting to forage by pulling at the cotton.
What is the difference between fully claustral and semi-claustral species of ants in the context of the test tube setup?
-Fully claustral species do not require food during the initial claustral period, while semi-claustral species need to be fed during this time as the queen will forage for food.
What advice does the video give for those who are having difficulty finding a queen ant?
-The video advises not to lose hope, as there are still opportunities to find queen ants during the summer and fall months, and to reach out to Ant Canada for assistance if needed.
Outlines
🐜 Introduction to AntCanada's Test Tube Setup Tutorial
AntCanada introduces a tutorial on setting up test tubes for new ant colonies, particularly for DL8 queens. The video aims to revisit an early tutorial due to its importance and the influx of new viewers. The host explains the necessity of a test tube and suggests visiting a local floral shop for water picks, which can be used as test tubes. They also discuss the importance of cleanliness to prevent mold and disease, recommending the use of bottled water and sterile instruments.
🌱 Understanding the Test Tube Setup and Its Benefits
The video delves into the benefits of the test tube setup, highlighting how it mimics the natural environment ants create for raising their young. The setup allows ants to hydro-regulate, choosing the best environment for their eggs based on moisture levels. The host also addresses concerns about the setup's cruelty, explaining that it is a natural behavior for ants. Additionally, the video covers the longevity of a test tube setup, the signs of mold, and the importance of keeping the queen ants in the dark to promote faster brood development.
🍽️ Feeding and Caring for Ants in Test Tube Setups
AntCanada discusses the feeding process for ants in test tube setups, emphasizing that fully claustral species do not require feeding during the claustral period. However, semi-claustral species need to be fed immediately. The video demonstrates how to transition ants from the test tube to an outworld setup, suggesting methods to encourage ants to venture out and forage. The host also provides tips on feeding ants directly in the test tube and transitioning them to a full colony setup.
🌟 Conclusion and Additional Resources
The tutorial concludes with a reminder that the test tube setup is primarily for fully claustral species of ants. AntCanada encourages viewers to reach out for help identifying their ants' claustral status and offers resources for those struggling to find a queen. The video also promotes AntCanada's products and initiatives, such as the Queen Ant Sale and the Gang Farmer project, which helps connect ant keepers with local colonies for sale. The host wishes viewers luck in their ant-keeping endeavors and invites them to explore more content on the channel.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Test tube setup
💡DL8 queen
💡Claustral chamber
💡Hydro regulation
💡Cotton
💡Sterile environment
💡Water pics
💡Mold
💡Fully claustral species
💡Outworld
💡Formica
Highlights
Redo of an early tutorial to ensure new viewers don't miss important information.
Explanation of the test tube setup as the best method to start an ant colony.
Use of glass or plastic test tubes and their acquisition from local floral shops.
Recommendation to buy water picks from floral shops as an affordable alternative to test tubes.
Importance of maintaining sterility in the test tube setup to prevent mold and disease.
Suggestion to use bottled or purified water for the test tube setup.
Demonstration of how to fill a test tube with water and cotton for the queen ant's environment.
Discussion on the natural behavior of queen ants creating claustral chambers in the wild.
Advantages of the test tube setup for hydral regulation by the ants.
Guidance on when to start feeding the ants in the test tube setup.
Advice on keeping the queen ant in the dark to promote brood development.
Creative use of a bearded dragon room for maintaining warmth for the ant colonies.
Information on the timing of queen ant flights for different species.
Instructions for feeding ants in the test tube setup using an outworld.
Distinguishing between fully claustral and semi-claustral ant species and their care.
Encouragement to keep trying if a queen ant doesn't make it and the option to purchase from the website.
Introduction of new products to assist with ant raising in the initial stages.
Invitation to join the ant raising project for local community engagement.
Promotion of other videos on the channel for further ant-keeping guidance.
Transcripts
hey guys what's up
ants Canada here welcome to another ant
canada video i wanted to redo a tutorial
probably one of our very first tutorials
because i feel like we have so many
tutorials now that some of you might be
missing some of the earlier ones and
some of the earlier ones that tend to be
some of the most important so in this
video i'm going to explain how i do my
test tube setups when you catch your dl8
queen for me the test tube setup is
still the best way to get your ant
colony started and I'll explain why
through the video so to start what you
need is a test tube now I've got two
test tube sizes here now I've got a
glass test tube here and then we have
the plastic test tubes like this which
actually comes with your kit if you
order one of our new hybrid nests they
fit right into the entrance and the very
convenient look how much space that is
now if you don't have any test tubes
what I recommend to people is you go
visit your local floral shop you know
place where these sell flowers and ask
them for some water pics now water pics
are kind of like test tubes that are
usually made of plastic they're either
opaque or transparent and they're used
to place at the ends of flower bouquets
to keep the flowers fresh and you know
you usually put water there with some
other chemicals to keep the flowers
fresh but they can also be used for your
test tube setups for your Queens they
usually are very cheap especially if you
buy from them in bulk I used to buy mine
for 10 cents each but they can go as
high as 75 cents Canadian so they're
very affordable it's kind of like the
end keeper secret emergency test tube I
used to buy my test tubes from a science
supply shop near my place but I'm sure
there are places online where you can
buy test tubes to use or in the case of
Philippines I just go to the pharmacy
and buy some there so you've got your
test tubes what else you'll need is some
cotton of course yeah you'll need some
kind of pokey and what I use is
either a barbecue skewer or what's even
better are these q-tips which are great
because they're clean and sanitary you
want to be working with very clean
instruments because you don't want any
fungus or bacteria to be in your test
tubes because then it leads to mold
outbreaks and whatever disease and you
want everything to be sterile as much as
possible
even your test tubes so make sure to
wash your test tubes wash your hands
wash everything make sure everything's
as clean as you can to make your Queens
environment as sterile as possible I
myself like to use bottled water um you
can use water from the tap but me I'm
just I don't know extra careful so I
like to use bottled water purified water
filtered water why not okay so to make
the test tube setup you need to fill
your test tube with water now I
personally fill it up to here with water
it's a little bit past halfway so I'm
going to take my bottled water here I
suppose you could use a syringe to put
water in here but for me the less
instruments used in the cleaner so I'm
just going to try my best not to spill
anything here alright so something like
that I've got water that's about just
past halfway then I'm going to take some
cotton that might be a little much let's
smooth an off
and stuff that into test-tube like so
but that much now with my pokey I'm just
gonna push it in quickly because if you
take a while there might be a air bubble
that'll form and that's kind of on you
I push quickly in there see no air
bubble and then I'll kind of push the
surface so that it's slightly moist like
that
and no water will come out you see so
it's kind of like that if there is some
water I'll kind of I kind of shake it
off excuse me here
it's like close to 40 degrees here in
Manila so not only is water spilling
from this test tube but I'm also
sweating I know it's kind of gross
gotta love living in the tropics okay so
I've got my test tube setup here ready
for the Queen once the Queen is inside I
simply place this cotton swab and then
close her in like so now I had someone
write to me saying that his parents were
finding it cruel that we're keeping ants
in this little section here but in
actuality this is what they do in the
wild they create what's called a
claustral chamber most ants after mating
these Queens will bury themselves in the
ground or in a piece of wood or in some
kind of Hollow of some sort and they'll
close themselves off and what this does
is it creates the perfect environment
for them to raise their young what's
great about the test tube setup is that
the ants can hydro regulate now what
does that mean that means they can
choose where to place the eggs according
to how moist or humid it is so if your
ants prefer really humid and moist areas
to raise their young they'll go close to
the test tube hydration cotton right
there and if they like more drier areas
they'll move over to the drier side so
that's the beauty of the test tube setup
it gives them the choice to hydral
regulate now another thing too is you
don't have to worry about providing your
aunt water
which is cool they have all the water
they want now
if you're working with clean materials
usually a test-tube setup will last
anywhere between a few weeks to even
months what ends up happening sometimes
is the cotton will start to mold that's
normal your queen ant will have a
bathroom area and the cotton being
organic will mold so it's okay to have a
little bit of mold there that's fine but
when it's really taking over and the
whole surface of that cotton there is a
different color due to the mold then you
know you have a problem you'll have to
move your queen to a new test-tube and
to do that you simply well one of the
ways is to attach two test tubes
together and then allow the Queen and
her workers if she has a need to move to
the new test tube now when your queen is
in her test tube and she's in her
cluster chamber I highly recommend that
you put her in the dark somewhere and
don't disturb her I know it's hard to do
that especially if you're new and keeper
but it really helps if you keep your
queens in the dark I just recently had a
customer write to me saying that he had
a bunch of Queens in test tubes and he
divided them into and some of the
Queen's were in the light just kind of
like sitting on a desk somewhere I
suppose and the other group was hidden
away in the dark somewhere and he found
that the brute developed a lot faster
than those queens that were exposed to
the light so as much as possible keep
your Queens away in the dark somewhere
so you guys want to see where I keep my
Queens now here in the Philippines
outdoor kitchens are kind of a popular
thing um and I keep my Queens in my herb
cabinet so deep inside my spice rack and
my cabinet I have here if a delegate
didn't die versus queen and she's got a
batch of eggs there and I'm keeping her
in the dark now I've had this species
before and she didn't make it I hear
they're very very difficult to start a
colony
from just you know one queen but I'm
hoping this one makes it the first set
up if you saw one of our previous videos
involved some soil and the queen created
her own claustral chamber in a test tube
setup and she ended up dying for reasons
I'm not too sure but I'm hoping this
batch of eggs makes it and I'm able to
create a colony from just this Queen
here I make sure to check up on her
maybe once a week but she's in the dark
and cozy with all my spices and as well
keep them warm Queens that are kept warm
have brood that develop a lot faster now
I know this is completely random but I'm
sweating so much because this room
doesn't have air-conditioning because
it's kind of my bearded dragon room I
remember my bearded dragon the small
lizard that I had in one of my previous
videos well he's not so small anymore
it's quite large and its rules like this
if you have a reptile room where you can
put your aunts and your test-tube setups
it's a great place to legal right it's a
great place to put all of your test-tube
setups because it's warm and you don't
have to use a heating cable so your
queen ants can develop their young a lot
faster by the way thank you sue med
Philippines for this setup this bearded
dragon kit which was given to me be sure
to check out zoo Med they've got a lot
of great products that actually can be
used for ants like you see this bottom
here that's called excavator clay you
can use that stuff for the outworlds it
starts off as kind of like a soil
mixture you add water and then you shape
it and it hardens so it'd be great for
in Outworld the ants cannot dig in it
and it's completely natural and of
course they've got different things like
temperature and hydrometer heating
cables etc so your queen should start
laying eggs within well it can happen
within a few hours or can happen the
next day or in two days or happen maybe
within a week but oh and sometimes they
wait till the next year depending on if
you have a hibernation period sometimes
queens will wait til the next year too
late
our eggs which is completely normal so
what I suggest is you catch your Queens
you put them in test tube setups and you
wait until they die because if they're
not fertilized they'll essentially die
now when your queen has a few workers
already I suggest you don't feed them
you know if this is just for claustral
species now fully claustral species
don't require food during this period so
I say to feed them around mmm after
they've reached around ten workers
depending on the species and if it does
seem like they're pulling at the cotton
like they want to get out it means the
workers probably are trying to forage
and they need food so that's when you
can start feeding them some and keepers
like to feed them directly in the test
tube but a great way to feed a test-tube
colony I find is to put them into a
small container I guess whatever your
Outworld will be in this case here I'm
using a used Outworld from one of our
own the nest vertical form aquariums and
you place your barrier along the top and
then you treat this like the setup so
you place the food in the out world and
the ants will venture out what you can
also do is you can sort of instead of
completely removing this cotton at the
entrance kind of making a sort of hole
like maybe stick a straw in there so
that it's not completely exposed in the
colonies completely exposed to all of
that openness because you know the ants
like to be enclosed so if you can
somehow create a small opening for them
to come in and out that would be great
and then feed them that way and then
when the colony is big enough you can
attach your Outworld directly to your
forma carrion and move this test tube
sort of like that so they can discover
the for material I'm sorry guys I'm
completely sweating everywhere ooh hot
and so that concludes the test tube
tutorial now this tutorial applies only
to fully claustral species of ants there
are a group of ants that are known as
semi claustral which means they have to
be fed during this period in the test
tube so what you can do for those
species is
you give them this setup right off the
bat and the queen will leave and forage
for food that you put in your world and
go back to her claustral chamber to feed
her young if you're not sure if the ants
you caught are a semi claustral or a
fully claustral species feel free to
write to me
it's contact - us at ant Canada calm and
I'll get back to you as soon as I can
for those of you that have problems
finding a queen don't lose hope a lot of
you from North America are writing to me
saying that you're finding it hard to
find the LA Queens you still have the
whole summer and a little bit of the
fall right now it's June a second so
camponotus are flying right now I know a
lot of you guys are writing to me saying
you've caught camponotus Queens Tetra
more young species II a great species
especially for beginners is flying now
and then soon Formica will be flying
from July to August crematogaster as
well and then lay seus tend to fly from
August to September
especially around Labor Day with the
Labor Day and they see as neo Niger
common throughout all of North America
you'll find those Queens flying around
and they're a great species as well
so all of those are fully claustral
species and can be kept in test tubes
and started there and to make all of
this much easier and Canada is working
on a couple of products to help you guys
raise your ends at these initial stages
because it's so crucial and if your ants
die during this stage don't lose hope
because this happens in nature not all
Queens make it in fact a large majority
of Queens don't make it past the initial
stages or call me funding so just don't
lose hope keep trying and if you still
can't find a queen be sure to look up
our again project under Queen ants for
sale at our website wwlp.com and if we
have a vendor selling ants in your city
we can hook you guys up with a queen and
colonies and if you have lots of
colonies of your own that you would like
to sell off please feel free to join our
gang project and be a gang farmer and we
can help find local and keepers to help
you dispose of your ends it's completely
free to sign up and it's a great way to
foster and culture your local and
community thank you guys so much for
watching this video hope it's helped bye
bye
he thanks guys for watching our tutorial
on how to create a test tube setup
wishing you guys luck this year on your
nuptials lights hope you guys have lots
of Queens now if you want to check out
more videos on this channel be sure to
check out our latest video on our brand
new line of Gina's tailored hybrid mists
really cool for materials for your ends
that are specifically geared to house
your species events whatever they may be
and also check out our very cool
solenopsis Germanotta playlist it's Emma
Forever guys thanks and don't forget to
subscribe
関連動画をさらに表示
How to do a Test Tube Setup for Housing Queen Ants - AntsCanada Tutorial #1
Placing Queen Ants into Test Tube Setups (Tutorial PART 2)
Moving Ants From a Test Tube to a New Formicarium - AntsCanada Tutorial #17
How to Remove Cotton from Old Test Tubes - AntsCanada Tutorial #3
Catching So Many Queen Ants
How To Raise An Ant Colony! | BRUMA Ants
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