{"product_id":"3d-printing-ant-nest-workshop-castle-new-ant-queen-small-group-18-20mm-single-test-tube-nest-sparrow-1","title":"Sparrow 1 Ant Nest - 3D Printed Castle for Queen \u0026 Small Colonies","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e.yvk-prod{font-family:inherit;color:#1f1610;font-size:16px;line-height:1.65;max-width:860px;margin:0 auto}.yvk-prod-hook{font-size:1.1rem;line-height:1.7;margin:0 0 24px;color:#1f1610}.yvk-prod-hook strong{color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-trust{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0 0 36px;border-top:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-bottom:1px solid #e7ddd0;padding:16px 0}.yvk-prod-trust-item{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;font-size:0.9rem;font-weight:600;color:#1f1610;flex:1 1 160px}.yvk-prod-trust svg{color:#a84c42;flex-shrink:0}.yvk-prod-story{margin:0 0 48px}.yvk-prod-story p{margin:0 0 16px;font-size:16px;line-height:1.7}.yvk-prod-h2{font-size:1.75rem;font-weight:700;color:#1f1610;margin:56px 0 20px;line-height:1.2;position:relative;padding-top:20px}.yvk-prod-h2::before{content:'';display:block;width:36px;height:3px;background:#a84c42;margin-bottom:14px;border-radius:2px}@media(max-width:640px){.yvk-prod-h2{font-size:1.4rem}}.yvk-prod-benefits-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:20px;margin:0 0 16px}@media(max-width:640px){.yvk-prod-benefits-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}}.yvk-prod-benefit{background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:10px;padding:22px 20px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px}.yvk-prod-benefit-icon{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:flex-start}.yvk-prod-benefit-icon svg{color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-benefit h3{font-size:1.05rem;font-weight:700;color:#1f1610;margin:0;line-height:1.3}.yvk-prod-benefit p{font-size:0.95rem;color:#3a2e27;margin:0;line-height:1.6}.yvk-prod-features{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:0 0 16px;font-size:0.95rem}@media(max-width:640px){.yvk-prod-features{display:block;overflow-x:auto}}.yvk-prod-features tr{border-bottom:1px solid #e7ddd0}.yvk-prod-features tr:last-child{border-bottom:none}.yvk-prod-features td{padding:12px 14px;vertical-align:middle;color:#1f1610}.yvk-prod-feature-ico{width:36px;text-align:center}.yvk-prod-feature-ico svg{color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-features td:nth-child(2){font-weight:600;width:38%}.yvk-prod-features td:nth-child(3){color:#3a2e27}.yvk-prod-features tr:nth-child(even){background:#fefcf8}.yvk-prod-care{list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0 0 16px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:14px}.yvk-prod-care-item{display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;font-size:0.97rem;line-height:1.6;color:#1f1610;background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:8px;padding:14px 16px}.yvk-prod-care svg{color:#a84c42;opacity:0.85;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:2px}.yvk-prod-sociomatch{font-size:0.97rem;line-height:1.7;color:#1f1610;background:#fefcf8;border-left:3px solid #a84c42;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:18px 20px;margin:0 0 16px}.yvk-prod-faq-wrap{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;margin:0 0 16px}.yvk-prod-faq{background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-left:3px solid #a84c42;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;overflow:hidden}.yvk-prod-faq summary{padding:16px 20px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:600;color:#1f1610;cursor:pointer;list-style:none;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;transition:background 0.18s}.yvk-prod-faq summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}.yvk-prod-faq summary::after{content:'';display:inline-block;width:16px;height:16px;border-right:2px solid #a84c42;border-bottom:2px solid #a84c42;transform:rotate(45deg);transition:transform 0.22s;flex-shrink:0;margin-left:12px;margin-bottom:4px}.yvk-prod-faq[open] summary::after{transform:rotate(-135deg);margin-bottom:-4px}.yvk-prod-faq summary:hover{background:#f5ede6}.yvk-prod-faq-answer{padding:0 20px 18px;font-size:0.95rem;color:#3a2e27;line-height:1.65}.yvk-prod svg{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;flex-shrink:0}\u003c\/style\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"yvk-prod-hook\"\u003eYour queen just sealed herself in a test tube, and you are already wondering what comes next. The \u003cstrong\u003eSparrow 1 3D printed ant nest\u003c\/strong\u003e is the answer: a compact castle-style formicarium sized for 18 mm and 20 mm test tubes, built for founding queens and small colonies that are ready to move into their first real home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"yvk-prod-trust\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-trust-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2 4 6v6c0 5 4 9 8 10 4-1 8-5 8-10V6l-8-4z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpolyline points=\"9 12 11 14 15 10\"\u003e\u003c\/polyline\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003e400 units in stock\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-trust-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 7v5l3 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShips within 2 business days\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-trust-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9-4 9 4v10l-9 4-9-4V7z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9 4 9-4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 11v10\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePacked for safe transit\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"yvk-prod-story\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Sparrow 1 came out of a frustration I know well. You have a healthy founding queen, maybe a \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e (the common black garden ant, one of the best beginner species out there) or a small \u003cem\u003eFormica\u003c\/em\u003e group, and every nest on the market is either too large for a micro-colony or too plain to hold humidity properly. The castle design is not just aesthetic: the layered chamber architecture keeps moisture gradients stable across the nest without you having to babysit a cotton plug every other day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 3D printed plastic body is rigid enough to stack accessories on top, yet light enough to reposition without disturbing the colony. The single test tube port accepts both 18 mm and 20 mm tubes, which covers the two most common founding setups sold in the hobby. Variant A, C, and E sit at $114.95; variants B and D come in at $111.95, so you can pick the configuration that fits your current setup without overpaying for features you do not need yet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI ran my own \u003cem\u003eCamponotus pennsylvanicus\u003c\/em\u003e (the big black carpenter ant, a North American native) founding group through a similar castle-format nest last spring. The colony moved in within 48 hours, which is about as fast as I have ever seen a hesitant queen commit to a new chamber. That kind of quick acceptance tells you the internal dimensions and darkness level are dialed in right.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eWhy the Sparrow 1 3D printed ant nest outperforms a plain test tube rack\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-benefits-grid\"\u003e\n\u003carticle class=\"yvk-prod-benefit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"yvk-prod-benefit-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"3\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" rx=\"3\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 9h18\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M9 21V9\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCastle chambers sized for founding colonies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe layered interior gives a queen and her first 20-50 workers distinct brood, rest, and food zones without the wasted space that stresses a micro-colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"yvk-prod-benefit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"yvk-prod-benefit-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2C7 2 4 6 4 10c0 6 8 12 8 12s8-6 8-12c0-4-3-8-8-8z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"10\" r=\"2.5\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003e18 mm and 20 mm test tube compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne port fits both standard tube sizes, so you connect your existing founding setup directly without adapters or improvised plugs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"yvk-prod-benefit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"yvk-prod-benefit-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 15-6.7L21 8\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M21 3v5h-5\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-15 6.7L3 16\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 21v-5h5\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eUpgrade path built in from day one\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the colony outgrows the Sparrow 1, the modular port system lets you connect a larger outworld or extension nest without relocating the queen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"yvk-prod-benefit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"yvk-prod-benefit-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 8v4l3 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eStable humidity without daily intervention\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe enclosed plastic structure retains moisture far longer than an open test tube rack, cutting your maintenance checks from daily to every few days.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eSparrow 1 3D printed ant nest: full specifications and materials\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"yvk-prod-features\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 21 21 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M5 18l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M8 15l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M11 12l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14 9l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 6l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTest tube compatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18 mm and 20 mm diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12h18\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 3v18\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMain material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRigid plastic (3D printed)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"3\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" rx=\"3\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 9h18\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M9 21V9\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDesign format\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCastle \/ multi-chamber single nest\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9-4 9 4v10l-9 4-9-4V7z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9 4 9-4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 11v10\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVariants available\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA, B, C, D, E (see selector above)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M5 6h14\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 6v15\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 11h6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M15 11h6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColony stage target\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFounding queen to small group (up to ~100 workers)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2 4 6v6c0 5 4 9 8 10 4-1 8-5 8-10V6l-8-4z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRegulated chemicals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eHow to set up and care for your Sparrow 1 ant nest formicarium\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"yvk-prod-care\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2 4 6v6c0 5 4 9 8 10 4-1 8-5 8-10V6l-8-4z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpolyline points=\"9 12 11 14 15 10\"\u003e\u003c\/polyline\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBefore connecting your test tube, rinse the nest interior with plain water and let it air-dry for 30 minutes. This removes any residual print dust that could irritate a new queen.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2C7 2 4 6 4 10c0 6 8 12 8 12s8-6 8-12c0-4-3-8-8-8z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"10\" r=\"2.5\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSlide your 18 mm or 20 mm founding tube directly into the port. No tools needed. Cover the nest with a dark cloth for the first 48-72 hours to encourage the queen to move in on her own schedule.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12c0-3 2-5 5-5h8c3 0 5 2 5 5v3H3v-3z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M6 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M18 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHumidity maintenance: lightly mist one interior wall every 3-5 days. Avoid flooding the chamber floor. The plastic retains moisture well, so less is more here.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"4\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 19v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M2 12h3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M19 12h3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M5 5l2 2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 17l2 2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M5 19l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 7l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the nest away from direct sunlight and heat sources above 82 F (28 C). Most beginner-friendly species like \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e thrive between 68-77 F (20-25 C) inside the nest.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12c0-3 2-5 5-5h8c3 0 5 2 5 5v3H3v-3z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M6 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M18 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClean the exterior with a barely damp cloth. Never use soap, alcohol, or any chemical cleaner near the nest opening. The plastic is durable but the colony inside is sensitive to fumes.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 21 21 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M5 18l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M8 15l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M11 12l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14 9l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 6l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen the colony reaches roughly 80-100 workers, connect an outworld or a larger modular formicarium to the existing port rather than forcing a full nest transfer.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eWho the Sparrow 1 3D printed ant nest is actually built for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-sociomatch\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis nest is for the keeper who just caught their first queen during nuptial flight season, or who ordered a founding queen and wants to give her something better than a bare test tube rack sitting on a shelf. It also suits parents setting up a first educational colony for a curious kid: the castle shape is visually engaging, the setup takes under five minutes, and the enclosed design means no escapees during those early weeks when a colony is still figuring out its boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not the right call if you already have a mature colony of 500 or more workers. At that size, you need a full-scale formicarium with dedicated outworld space. The Sparrow 1 is a founding and early-growth nest, and it does that job very well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eSparrow 1 ant nest: questions buyers ask before ordering\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhich variant should I choose: A, B, C, D, or E?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eVariants B and D are priced at $111.95 and variants A, C, and E at $114.95. The letter designations correspond to configuration differences (chamber layout or color, depending on the manufacturer's batch). If you are unsure, variant A is the standard configuration and the safest starting point. Check the product images for each letter to confirm the visual you prefer before adding to cart.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow long does shipping take, and is tracking included?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eOrders ship within 2 business days. Delivery times vary by destination: domestic US orders typically arrive in 7-18 business days for standard shipping. A tracking number is provided once your order is dispatched. For international orders, check your local customs regulations, especially if you are ordering alongside live ant colonies from another supplier.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow long will the 3D printed plastic hold up with regular humidity and cleaning?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eRigid 3D printed plastic handles the humidity levels required for ant keeping (40-70% relative humidity inside the nest) without warping when you avoid prolonged submersion or direct heat. With normal care, the structure stays solid for several years of active use. The main wear point is the test tube port: handle it gently during tube swaps and it will last the full life of your founding colony and beyond.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow is the Sparrow 1 different from a standard acrylic or ytong nest?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eAcrylic nests offer full visibility but require you to manage humidity externally, since acrylic does not absorb or retain moisture. Ytong (aerated concrete) nests retain humidity naturally but are heavier and harder to reconfigure. The Sparrow 1 sits between the two: lighter than ytong, more enclosed than acrylic, and purpose-sized for the founding stage that both formats often overlook. If you want a full-visibility acrylic setup for a larger colony, that is a separate purchase for a later growth stage.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"Product\",\"name\":\"Sparrow 1 - 3D Printed Castle Ant Nest for Founding Queens and Small Colonies (18\/20mm Test Tube)\",\"image\":[\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-packshot-7fddcd2f.webp?v=1787718491\",\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-benefits-5acce3fe.webp?v=1787718495\",\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-lifestyle-ad540642.webp?v=1787718500\"],\"description\":\"The Sparrow 1 is a 3D printed castle-style ant nest designed for founding queens and small colonies. Compatible with 18 mm and 20 mm test tubes, it provides stable humidity, multi-chamber architecture, and a modular port for future expansion.\",\"sku\":\"14:29#A\",\"brand\":{\"@type\":\"Brand\",\"name\":\"Ma boutique\"},\"offers\":{\"@type\":\"Offer\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/hkuunx-fq.myshopify.com\/products\/3d-printing-ant-nest-workshop-castle-new-ant-queen-small-group-18-20mm-single-test-tube-nest-sparrow-1\",\"priceCurrency\":\"USD\",\"price\":\"114.95\",\"availability\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\",\"itemCondition\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition\"}}\u003c\/script\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which variant should I choose: A, B, C, D, or E?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Variants B and D are priced at $111.95 and variants A, C, and E at $114.95. The letter designations correspond to configuration differences. Variant A is the standard configuration and the safest starting point. Check the product images for each letter to confirm the visual you prefer before adding to cart.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does shipping take, and is tracking included?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Orders ship within 2 business days. Domestic US orders typically arrive in 7-18 business days for standard shipping. A tracking number is provided once your order is dispatched. For international orders, check your local customs regulations.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long will the 3D printed plastic hold up with regular humidity and cleaning?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Rigid 3D printed plastic handles the humidity levels required for ant keeping (40-70% relative humidity) without warping when you avoid prolonged submersion or direct heat. 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