{"product_id":"early-colony-nest","title":"Early Colony Nest","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA compact, expandable nest for young ant colonies.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Early Colony Nest provides a smaller nesting space for colonies just starting out, while allowing you to connect additional modules as they grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring approximately \u003cstrong\u003e60 × 60 × 25 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e, it features a \u003cstrong\u003etextured grey gypsum founding insert\u003c\/strong\u003e that helps distribute moisture through the nest. The founding chamber layout is designed for young colonies with their first workers. For many fully claustral species, a queen without workers is better kept in a suitable hydrated test tube until the colony is ready for a nest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThree connections, room to expand\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nest has \u003cstrong\u003ethree modular connection ports\u003c\/strong\u003e for connecting compatible Antastic Tom modules and outworlds. You can also use a compatible \u003ca href=\"\/products\/clear-pvc-connecting-tube-10-mm-id-13-mm-od\"\u003e10 mm ID \/ 13 mm OD PVC tube\u003c\/a\u003e with the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flexible-tube-modular-connector-10-mm-id-13-mm-od\"\u003eFlexible Tube Connector\u003c\/a\u003e to link compatible nests or outworlds. Securely close all unused ports.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3D-printed PLA nest body with three connection ports\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 × textured grey gypsum founding insert\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClear acrylic viewing lid and M3 fixings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModular connector, blanking and TPU retention fittings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 × pipette for controlled hydration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssembly required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Components are supplied for assembly before use, with required fixings included. Check that the gypsum sits flat and that the lid, connectors and unused ports are secure before introducing ants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and accessories\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHydrate the insert gradually, without allowing water to pool in the chambers, and adjust moisture to the species' needs. Avoid direct sunlight and uncontrolled heating; as a precaution, do not allow PLA components to reach 35°C or above. Inspect regularly for cracks, warping or escape gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatching \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ant-nest-blackout-cover\"\u003eblackout\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-viewing-nest-cover\"\u003ered viewing\u003c\/a\u003e covers are available separately; choose the 60 mm Early Colony Nest fit. Red acrylic does not guarantee complete darkness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLive ants are not included. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/compatibility\"\u003ecompatibility guide\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/product-safety-and-suitability\"\u003eproduct safety guidance\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antastic Tom","offers":[{"title":"Dark Green","offer_id":56476980773206,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black","offer_id":56476980805974,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Dark Red","offer_id":56506427965782,"sku":"OLD-NEST-RED","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dark Brown","offer_id":56506427998550,"sku":"OLD-NEST-BROWN","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/9645\/2438\/files\/Colony_Nests.png?v=1794081960","url":"https:\/\/antastictom.com\/products\/early-colony-nest","provider":"Antastic Tom","version":"1.0","type":"link"}