Starter Antkeeping Kit
includes a queen (or colony) of harvester ants (messor barbarus)
 
Everything you need to begin your antkeeping adventure is included in this starter set, designed to make caring for your chosen species simple and enjoyable. Watch as your colony grows and thrives.  The perfect kit for beginners and enthusiasts alike!
 
What’s Inside the Kit:
Byd bach: Specially designed for young colonies, offering a safe and secure home.
Tube of Chia Seeds: Your colonies protein and sugar source.
Mini Feeding Tray: Makes feeding and cleanup easy.
Tweezers: For safely handling waste.
Ant Colony: A messor barbarus queen, with workers if available or as queen with eggs if not.
 
Getting Started is Easy!
When your kit arrives, simply scan the QR code included inside. It links to an introduction video where we guide you through unboxing, setting up your nest, and starting your care routine. You’ll have everything you need to confidently dive into this fascinating hobby.
 
Growing is a breeze!
This kit is compatible with all products in our V2 range. This means you can add nest space or outworlds as your colony grows without worrying about connecting them or changing setups.
 
Whether you’re new to antkeeping or adding another colony to your collection, this starter set is your perfect companion. Order today and start your antkeeping journey!
 
Need advice on getting started? We are on the other end of the phone to help.

Welcome to Your Messor barbarus Starter Kit!
Thank you for choosing Ant Antics.
Here’s your quick-start guide to keeping your Harvester Ants happy and healthy.

What’s Included:
1x Test tube containing your ants
1x Byd bach 
1x Mini feeding bowl
A portion of chia seeds

Getting Started – Step by Step:
1. Connect the test tube to the byd bach using removing the cotton and placing on, the blanking cap can secure the spare ports.

2. Add Seeds to the Outworld: Open the outworld section (feeding area) of the byd bach nest. Place 6 to 12 chia seeds into the mini bowl. Put the bowl into the outworld and replace the lid.(Note: If your lid looks cloudy white, it has a protective film – just peel it off to reveal the clear acrylic.)

When to Top Up:Once the ants have workers, keep an eye on their seed store. When their seed pile is about half gone, simply add another 6 to 12 seeds.⚠️ Avoid overfeeding too early – they won’t touch seeds until workers arrive.

3. Ongoing Care:
✅ Feeding:Messor barbarus are seed-eaters. No insects or sugar needed. Keep their seed bowl topped up only when needed, based on how much they’ve stored.
✅ Water:The ants drink via the cotton in the test tube.Only replace the water in the test tube if it runs dry or changes colour (pinkish).

Special Notes for Harvester Ants:
Avoid Vibrations: Messor barbarus are especially sensitive to vibration and may panic or stop eating if disturbed. Keep the setup in a quiet, stable place.
No Direct Sunlight: Avoid windowsills or sunny spots – the nest can overheat.
Avoid Shaking or Knocking the Nest – early colony stages are delicate.

This founding nest will support your colony for 6+ months of good growth. You’re doing something amazing by starting from the beginning – and we’re here for you every step of the way. Pet ants, done right.- The Ant Antics Team