{"product_id":"c-3d-printed-ant-farm-queen-ants-nest-supplies-for-beginner-ant-keepers-ant-house-suitable-for-small-ant-species","title":"3D Printed Ant Farm Nest for Beginner Ant Keepers","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 28px;color:#1f1610}.yvk-prod-trust{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0 0 40px;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:8px;background:#fefcf8;padding:16px 20px}.yvk-prod-trust-item{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;font-size:0.9rem;font-weight:600;color:#1f1610;flex:1 1 140px}.yvk-prod-trust svg{color:#a84c42;display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;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:2px;background:#a84c42;margin-bottom:14px}.yvk-prod-benefits-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:20px;margin:0 0 16px}.yvk-prod-benefit{background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:10px;padding:24px 20px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px}.yvk-prod-benefit-icon{display:flex;align-items:center}.yvk-prod-benefit-icon svg{color:#a84c42;display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;flex-shrink:0}.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:#3a2e28;margin:0;line-height:1.6}.yvk-prod-features{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:0 0 16px;font-size:0.95rem}.yvk-prod-features tr{border-bottom:1px solid #e7ddd0}.yvk-prod-features tr:last-child{border-bottom:none}.yvk-prod-feature-ico{width:36px;padding:14px 8px 14px 0;vertical-align:middle}.yvk-prod-features svg{color:#a84c42;display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;flex-shrink:0}.yvk-prod-features td{padding:14px 8px;vertical-align:middle;color:#1f1610}.yvk-prod-features td:nth-child(2){font-weight:600;white-space:nowrap;padding-right:16px}.yvk-prod-features td:nth-child(3){color:#3a2e28}.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;display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle}.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:18px 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:hover{background:#f5ede6}.yvk-prod-faq summary::after{content:'';display:inline-block;width:10px;height:10px;border-right:2px solid #a84c42;border-bottom:2px solid #a84c42;transform:rotate(45deg);transition:transform 0.22s;flex-shrink:0;margin-left:12px}.yvk-prod-faq[open] summary::after{transform:rotate(-135deg)}.yvk-prod-faq-answer{padding:4px 20px 18px;font-size:0.95rem;color:#3a2e28;line-height:1.65}@media(max-width:640px){.yvk-prod-benefits-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.yvk-prod-trust{flex-direction:column}.yvk-prod-h2{font-size:1.5rem}.yvk-prod-features{display:block;overflow-x:auto}}\u003c\/style\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"yvk-prod-hook\"\u003eYour first queen ant just needs one thing: a \u003cstrong\u003e3D printed ant farm nest\u003c\/strong\u003e that fits her founding stage, keeps humidity where it belongs, and does not cost you a week's lunch money. This compact PLA formicarium is exactly that.\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\u003eNo harmful chemicals\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 8v4l3 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReady to use out of the box\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\u003eShips in protective packaging\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"yvk-prod-story\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen I started keeping ants, I made the classic mistake: I bought a formicarium that was way too big for a single founding queen. She spent three weeks ignoring the nest and hiding in the test tube. Size matters at the founding stage, and a chamber that is too large stresses a lone queen out. This 3D printed nest gets the geometry right. The internal chamber dimensions are tight enough to feel safe for a newly mated queen, yet the channel layout gives her room to lay her first brood without crowding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nest is printed in PLA, a plant-derived plastic that is non-toxic and odorless once cured. No off-gassing, no chemical leaching into the substrate. The two color variants (01 and 02) let you pick based on how you want the nest to photograph or display on your shelf. At 6.9 x 6.9 x 2.8 cm, it sits flat on any surface and pairs cleanly with a small outworld connected via tubing. It is the kind of starter setup I wish someone had handed me on day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis nest is sized for small ant species: \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e (the black garden ant, one of the best beginner species in the hobby), \u003cem\u003eLasius flavus\u003c\/em\u003e (the yellow meadow ant), small \u003cem\u003eFormica\u003c\/em\u003e species, and similarly compact queens. If you are working with \u003cem\u003eCamponotus\u003c\/em\u003e (carpenter ants, which run larger) or any exotic species, check your local regulations first and consider a larger formicarium from our full formicarium collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eWhy this 3D printed ant farm nest works for small species at founding\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=\"M9 9h6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M9 12h6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M9 15h4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eChamber size matched to founding queens\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compact 6.9 x 6.9 cm footprint keeps a lone queen in a tight, secure space, which is exactly what she needs before her first workers hatch.\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 3v9l5 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePLA ant farm material: safe and odor-free\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant-derived PLA contains no high-concern chemicals, so you can introduce your queen the same day the nest arrives without any off-gassing wait period.\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\u003eBeginner ant keeper setup that skips the learning curve\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo drilling, no silicone, no assembly. Place it, add a moisture source on one side, connect an outworld, and you are done.\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\u003cpolygon points=\"12 2 15 9 22 9 16 13 18 21 12 17 6 21 8 13 2 9 9 9\"\u003e\u003c\/polygon\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAffordable ant house that does not cut corners\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt $15.95, this is one of the few starter nests where the price reflects simplicity of design, not a reduction in print quality or chamber accuracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003e3D printed ant nest specifications: materials, size, and what is in the box\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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.9 x 6.9 x 2.8 cm\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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePLA (polylactic acid, plant-derived)\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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-concern chemicals\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone\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=\"11\" width=\"18\" height=\"10\" rx=\"2\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M7 11V7a5 5 0 0 1 10 0v4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColor variants\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e01 and 02 (two options at checkout)\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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePackage contents\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 x 3D printed ant 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=\"M17 21v-2a4 4 0 0 0-4-4H5a4 4 0 0 0-4 4v2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"9\" cy=\"7\" r=\"4\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M23 21v-2a4 4 0 0 0-3-3.87\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M16 3.13a4 4 0 0 1 0 7.75\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable species\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmall ants: Lasius niger, Lasius flavus, small Formica\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 3D printed ant farm nest\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 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\u003ePlace the nest on a flat, vibration-free surface. Ants at the founding stage are sensitive to movement, so keep it away from speakers, washing machines, and high-traffic countertops.\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 2v6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 22v-6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M4.93 4.93l4.24 4.24\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14.83 14.83l4.24 4.24\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M2 12h6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M22 12h-6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M4.93 19.07l4.24-4.24\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14.83 9.17l4.24-4.24\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain a humidity gradient: moisten one side of the nest lightly with a few drops of distilled water every 2-3 days. Leave the other side dry. \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e queens do well at 50-70% relative humidity in the brood chamber.\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 ambient temperature between 24-28 C (75-82 F) during the active season. Avoid placing the nest in direct sunlight: PLA can warp above 60 C, and ants overheat well before that.\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. Do not submerge the nest or use alcohol-based cleaners: they can degrade PLA surface finish over time.\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 22s8-6 8-12a8 8 0 1 0-16 0c0 6 8 12 8 12z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 10v4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 16h.01\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen your colony outgrows this starter nest (typically once you reach 50-100 workers for \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e), connect a larger formicarium via tubing rather than disturbing the queen. Browse our formicarium range for the right next step.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eWho this beginner ant keeper nest is actually built for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-sociomatch\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis nest is the right call if you just caught your first queen during nuptial flight season, or if you ordered a founding queen from a reputable local breeder and need somewhere to put her today. It also works well as a first educational setup for kids: the compact size means the whole colony is visible at a glance, and the price means a cracked lid is not a catastrophe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not the right fit if your colony already has 200-plus workers, if you are keeping a larger species like \u003cem\u003eCamponotus pennsylvanicus\u003c\/em\u003e (the black carpenter ant), or if you want a display-quality nest with a viewing window. For those situations, check out our acrylic and hybrid formicariums, which are what I run my own Camponotus colonies in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eBuying a 3D printed ant farm nest: questions new keepers ask first\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eIs this nest the right size for a single founding queen?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eYes. At 6.9 x 6.9 x 2.8 cm, the internal chamber is intentionally compact, which is what a founding queen needs. A nest that is too large causes stress and can lead to the queen abandoning her first egg clutch. Once your first workers hatch and the colony grows past roughly 30-50 individuals, you can connect a larger outworld or upgrade to a bigger formicarium.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow long does shipping take, and will the nest arrive intact?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eShipping times depend on your location and the carrier selected at checkout. The nest ships in protective packaging designed to prevent cracking during transit. If your item arrives damaged, contact us with a photo and we will sort it out. PLA is rigid but not brittle under normal shipping conditions.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWill PLA degrade or warp inside a humid ant setup?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003ePLA handles the humidity levels typical of ant keeping (50-70% RH in the brood chamber) without warping or degrading, as long as you avoid sustained heat above 55-60 C. Room temperature setups are completely fine. The material does not leach chemicals into the substrate at normal husbandry temperatures, which is why it is a common choice for beginner formicariums.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow is this different from a test tube setup or a gel ant farm?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eA test tube setup is the cheapest possible founding option and works fine, but it gives you almost no visibility and no room to add a proper outworld. Gel ant farms look cool in photos but the gel is not a natural substrate, and most species do not thrive long-term in them. This 3D printed nest sits between the two: it gives your queen a structured chamber with a moisture gradient, it connects to a real outworld via tubing, and it is still inexpensive enough that upgrading later does not feel like a loss. For a deeper comparison of founding setups, see our founding setup guide.\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\":\"3D Printed Ant Farm Nest for Beginner Ant Keepers - Small Ant Species Formicarium\",\"image\":[\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-packshot-6caa9a01.webp?v=1787718664\",\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-benefits-841775aa.webp?v=1787718669\",\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-lifestyle-39891fd4.webp?v=1787718673\"],\"description\":\"A compact PLA formicarium sized for founding queens and small ant species like Lasius niger and Lasius flavus. No harmful chemicals, no assembly required. Dimensions: 6.9 x 6.9 x 2.8 cm. 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Once your first workers hatch and the colony grows past roughly 30-50 individuals, you can connect a larger outworld or upgrade to a bigger formicarium.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does shipping take, and will the nest arrive intact?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Shipping times depend on your location and the carrier selected at checkout. The nest ships in protective packaging designed to prevent cracking during transit. If your item arrives damaged, contact us with a photo and we will sort it out. PLA is rigid but not brittle under normal shipping conditions.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Will PLA degrade or warp inside a humid ant setup?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"PLA handles the humidity levels typical of ant keeping (50-70% RH in the brood chamber) without warping or degrading, as long as you avoid sustained heat above 55-60 C. Room temperature setups are completely fine. 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This 3D printed nest sits between the two: it gives your queen a structured chamber with a moisture gradient, it connects to a real outworld via tubing, and it is still inexpensive enough that upgrading later does not feel like a loss.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Ma boutique","offers":[{"title":"02","offer_id":55088335061334,"sku":"14:193#02","price":13.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"01","offer_id":55088335094102,"sku":"14:29#01","price":13.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-packshot-6caa9a01.webp?v=1787718664","url":"https:\/\/theformicarium.com\/products\/c-3d-printed-ant-farm-queen-ants-nest-supplies-for-beginner-ant-keepers-ant-house-suitable-for-small-ant-species","provider":"The Formicarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}