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

AntsCanada
8 Sept 201008:22

Summary

TLDRIn 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.

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Related Tags
Ant CareNuptial FlightQueen AntsWorker AntsTest Tube SetupColony GrowthAnt FeedingFormicariumAntkeeping GuideHibernation Prep