I have a Messor barbarus queen that I’ve been keeping in a small test tube setup. She’s starting to lay eggs, and I’m thinking about moving her to a larger formicarium. How long should I wait before making the move? Is there a certain number of workers I should wait for, or do I move her once she’s producing eggs regularly? I want to give her the best chance to thrive, so I’m curious if there are any signs that tell me when the time is right for a bigger nest.
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You can typically move your Messor barbarus queen once she has laid a few batches of eggs and has at least a small brood of workers. Moving her too early can cause stress, so wait until she has a stable foundation for her colony. Signs she’s ready for a larger formicarium include consistent egg-laying and the presence of workers. For more on queen ants and ant colonies, you can find tips on when and how to transition her to a bigger nest.