Ants

[Craigwyatt]

Ok so I took my hatchling outside today. They were in the shade the whole time. Temps are prob about 80 in the shade. Just setting up the scene. I noticed a couple ants inside. Not the big ones but the little tiny ones.
My question is - is it safe for my baby panthers to eat them. Or should I find a different location outside.

 

[reptileguy112]

Most likely its okay but you never know with wild bugs. Also never just leave them in the enclosure because im sure like crickets, ants can chew a hole right through them

 

[JoeVet]

Where there are a couple ants, more will follow. Not sure I'd recommend feeding them to a chameleon for the same reason I don't recommend bees, wasps and spiders.

 

[Craigwyatt]

Well there was only maybe 3/4 in there. At this point the baby panthers out number the ants lol.
But if someone can tell me for sure they are safe to eat I'll try to encourage more ants going in.
On more thing I forgot to add. I do not and have never used pesticides outside. So there are no concerns there.
Maybe I could get them to walk through calcium powder before they enter the cage. Lol. If I can figure it out I'll do it.

 

[bobcochran]

If your ants are the small Argentine ants their nests can number in the millions,
I don't know how old your babies are but I've had small chams attacked and killed by these ants, or with older babies the ants will kill and carry off the feeder insects. A lot of chameleon keepers have wars with these ants, going so far as placing the legs of their cages in buckets of soapy water so the ants can't get into their cages. I wouldn't advise enticing them any where near your chameleons or the prey food!!

 

[Craigwyatt]

That's all I needed to hear. Thank you thank you!!!
I guess no free food for me

 

[Craigwyatt]

Ok I just looked at the argentine ants. It's def not those. Plus I don't even think they are in my state. I think I figured out what they are. Here's my best guess.

 

[MamatoElvis]

I'm not sure what kind those are but in Florida several different kinds of ants attack and kill the little lizards and geckos. I would move as soon as I saw ants of any kind near your baby.

 

[Craigwyatt]

Ants are off the menu. Lol
I'll find another shady spot outside for them. Thank you guys for chiming in.

 

[reptileguy112]

Well there was only maybe 3/4 in there. At this point the baby panthers out number the ants lol.
But if someone can tell me for sure they are safe to eat I'll try to encourage more ants going in.
On more thing I forgot to add. I do not and have never used pesticides outside. So there are no concerns there.
Maybe I could get them to walk through calcium powder before they enter the cage. Lol. If I can figure it out I'll do it.

I wouldn't say no concern unless you don't have neighbors and even then...

 

[Craigwyatt]

That's a good point. And I do have neighbors.