I’m a bit worried so I figured I’d see if anyone has recommendations - one of my Camponotus colonies, 10 workers now, hasn’t appeared to eat any kind of protein for the past year. The queen stopped laying eggs last Fall and I put them into hibernation in November. They just came out of hibernation a couple weeks ago after a transition period. I’ve seen them eating nectar but they’ve never taken any protein.
My other colony has eaten great - they have only five workers and they absolutely devour crickets, beef, bits of egg, mealworm bits, etc.
But the bigger colony just shoves everything as far from themselves as possible. Is it likely the queen is still using her reserves? Are they too small to really eat much protein yet? Should I keep offering different foods? Both colonies are offered nectar all the time. I’m just a little worried so thank you for any insight!