Build a Fantastic Ant Farm

So your thinking of building your own ant farm? Maybe for the kids? How about trying that prank off the Mighty Ducks' movie with the ants in the bed? Ok, Hopefully not that. Anyways, Making an "ant farm" is not as hard as people may think. For children, It is somewhat of an adventure to see how the ants live in their communities and thrive upon each other to live. The kids absolutely are amazed at this and it can keep their attention held for hours and hours at a time. Ant farms are inexpensive and can be built using everyday supplies.

In order for us to make an ant farm, We need a few supplies:

1. The Ants, Of course.

2. Their bedding (Dirt)

3. A tank of some sort, maybe even a fish bowl type thing.

4. Shovel, (For ant moving)

(I have used one of these when I was younger)

4. A smaller jar of some sort to gather ants.

Step 1: Place the little or tiny jar inside of the big tank or fish bowl type container. When using a small jar, It allows the ants to create tunnels on the outside of the jar in which you can see them instead of them tunneling in the middle of everything.

Step 2: Now, We need to find an ant hill or pile of some kind. Use a shovel and dig out enough ants to fill your jar within a few inches or so from the top. Try to get a majority of the worker ants, some flying ants or bigger ants, and if you can find her, The queen. Scooping up white eggs or larvae is a plus!

After you get your ants, You need their bedding. To get the bedding (dirt), Just scoop up some with the shovel and gently pour it inside the jar. Pack all of the bedding firmly. Note, If your children are around, It might be wise to keep them away when transporting any of the ants to and or from the jar, Especially if the ants are "red ants" or some other kind of biting ant.

Step 3: Water your ants by using some sort of gentle sprayer or sponge that will drop water. Essentially, You can also use a simple dropper, Such as those used in chemistry projects.

Step 4: Feeding your ants can be done by using tiny bits of fruit or vegetables, sugar dipped bread, or even small cracker pieces broken off.

Helpful Things To Remember:

#1: If you live in an area that might not supply ants, such as a colder environment with snow, Search for a craft or hobby store or even online and try to find a mail order for ants.

#2: The ants should not be able to climb up the walls, But if for some reason they may have intentions on doing so, You can add a slippery substance material to the inner depending on the type of container. Example: A Q-Tip with liquid on the insides to help keep the ants down.

#3: In order to assure proper ventilation, It would be wise to punch a few holes in the top so that all of the ants have plenty of air to breathe.

#4: As your ants' start moving into and acquiring a nesting ground in their new home, You should discourage anyone from shaking or moving around the jar. This is a potential problem that could destroy their tunnels.

#5: If you would like to enhance your experience, Try adding hobby related items, Such as little miniature palm trees or other objects inside the ant farm. This will ensure an everlasting and enjoyable experience for you and children to watch and view the ant kingdom.