Getting Started
Why get into ant keeping?
Discover the world of ant keeping, from colony behaviour to everyday care. Learn what you need, how to get started and why ants make fascinating pets.
UK ANT KEEPING EDUCATION
LEARN HOW TO GROW ATHRIVING COLONY.
There’s a whole world of ant keeping to explore, and a community to share it with. Find our latest care guides, helpful resources and links to social media communities, alongside behind-the-scenes glimpses of life at Ants HQ. Learn, ask questions and grow your knowledge as your colony grows.
OUR MISSION
ANT KEEPING ISSIMPLE.
Starting your first ant colony is easier than you might think. With the right setup, a little preparation and an understanding of your species’ needs, you'll be ready to raise your own thriving colony.
Want to know our top 10 tips and tricks? Head over to our guides and articles.
New to Ant Keeping?
A Growing Community of Keepers
Join a growing community of ant keepers across the UK, with more events and workshops bringing people together to share their colonies, swap advice and learn about ants.
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Keeper Rating
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GETTING IT RIGHT
READY FOR YOUR NEXT COLONY?
With a bit of ant keeping experience under your belt, you might be ready for another colony. Explore species with different strategies of gathering food, building homes and working together, and find out what they need before adding them to your collection.
- HOW TO CHOOSE A BEGINNER-FRIENDLY SPECIES
- WHAT YOUR COLONY NEEDS BEFORE ARRIVAL
- HOW TO AVOID THE MOST FIRST-TIME MISTAKES
Learn More
Latest Guides and Articles
Expanding Your Collection
Meet four beginner favourites
Compare Lasius niger, Myrmica rubra, Messor barbarus and Camponotus ligniperda. Explore their behaviour, care requirements and beginner suitability.
Colony Care
What is ant hibernation?
Learn why some ant colonies need winter rest, how to prepare for diapause, monitor temperature and hydration, and safely return your ants to activity.
Expanding Your Collection
Choosing your first tropical ant species
Explore tropical ant keeping, Camponotus nicobarensis, safe heating, hydration and colony growth to find your next species and prepare its habitat.
Getting Started
Choosing your first ant colony
Find the right first ant colony for you. Compare beginner species, queen-only colonies and colonies with workers, plus suitable starter kits.
GIVING BACK
BUGLIFE PARTNERSHIP
We’ve built our business around ants, so it’s only right that we give something back. That’s why we’re supporting Buglife’s insect conservation work.
Community
Upcoming Events and Updates
30 July 2026
London’s first ant pop-up
We brought ant keeping to London, giving visitors a closer look at the colonies usually hidden beneath their feet and insight into their marvellous world.
Check It Out
27-29 Sep 2026
PATS tradeshow
We took our ant farm starter kits to PATS to introduce more pet retailers and put ant keeping on the map.
Check It Out
October
Workshops throughout October
Meet live colonies, watch their teamwork up close and learn how to care for your own ants.
Register Interest
29 Nov 2026
Southampton Invert Show
Come and meet us, talk ants and get advice on choosing your next colony.
Register Interest
New to Ant Keeping?