Plan before you buy
Tools
Two quick calculators to help you house your colony correctly and budget your first setup — no sign-up, all in your browser.
01
Formicarium Size Calculator
A nest that's too big is as harmful as one that's too small. Enter your colony and get a sensible nest size and the housing stage you're at.
Tip: keep founding colonies in a test tube far longer than feels natural — often until 20–50 workers.
Recommendation
Enter a worker count
We'll suggest a nest footprint and chamber count.
- Nest footprint
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- Chambers
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02
Starter Kit Builder
Answer three questions and get a tailored shopping list with a rough UK budget. Prices are research-based estimates, not live quotes.
Colony stage
Add gentle heating?
Buy the queen too?
These tools give ballpark guidance to help beginners plan. Always check a species' specific needs on itscare card before buying.