Comments on: 50 Cocoon Challenge – Update #4 http://www.redwormcomposting.com/fun-stuff/50-cocoon-challenge-update-4/ Red Wiggler Worms, European Nightcrawlers and loads of helpful Worm Composting Information Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:31:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Jim http://www.redwormcomposting.com/fun-stuff/50-cocoon-challenge-update-4/comment-page-1/#comment-21995 Jim Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:04:02 +0000 http://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=910#comment-21995 When the worm eggs start turning from a greenish color to a redish color you know that are about 20 to 25 day old eggs. Moisture is the most important part in making sure your eggs hatch out. Without good moisture the eggs will just not hatch. Worm eggs can sit around for years and will only hatch when the tempurate and moisture are at the right levels. When the worm eggs start turning from a greenish color to a redish color you know that are about 20 to 25 day old eggs. Moisture is the most important part in making sure your eggs hatch out. Without good moisture the eggs will just not hatch. Worm eggs can sit around for years and will only hatch when the tempurate and moisture are at the right levels.

]]> By: Bentley http://www.redwormcomposting.com/fun-stuff/50-cocoon-challenge-update-4/comment-page-1/#comment-21979 Bentley Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:42:48 +0000 http://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=910#comment-21979 MARK - all sounds cool! Do keep us posted! 8) ----- DUFF - One recommendation would definitely be to keep them moist in their new habitat to help stimulate hatching. Other than that, basically creating a similar habitat to that found in the bin should be fine. As for cocoon handling, I wouldn't worry too much about taking extra precautions, other than not squishing them of course! I use dish gloves when working with the worms/compost (helps to keep the gunk out from under my nails) so I'm usually wearing these when picking up cocoons as well. Using a small spoon may actually help you to pick them up, so that's a good idea to try out. MARK – all sounds cool! Do keep us posted!
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DUFF – One recommendation would definitely be to keep them moist in their new habitat to help stimulate hatching. Other than that, basically creating a similar habitat to that found in the bin should be fine. As for cocoon handling, I wouldn’t worry too much about taking extra precautions, other than not squishing them of course! I use dish gloves when working with the worms/compost (helps to keep the gunk out from under my nails) so I’m usually wearing these when picking up cocoons as well. Using a small spoon may actually help you to pick them up, so that’s a good idea to try out.

]]> By: Duff in VT http://www.redwormcomposting.com/fun-stuff/50-cocoon-challenge-update-4/comment-page-1/#comment-21956 Duff in VT Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:07:32 +0000 http://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=910#comment-21956 Bentley, I am salvaging cocoons from one older bin and putting them in my new stacking bin. Is there any particular thing you should/should not do to the cocoons for best hatching rates. For instance, do you gather with your fingers or a small spoon ? Should you try to duplicate the conditions you found them in, like taking some of the original bedding where you found them? I want as high a success rate as I can manage so any help would be appreciated. Bentley,

I am salvaging cocoons from one older bin and putting them in my new stacking bin. Is there any particular thing you should/should not do to the cocoons for best hatching rates. For instance, do you gather with your fingers or a small spoon ? Should you try to duplicate the conditions you found them in, like taking some of the original bedding where you found them? I want as high a success rate as I can manage so any help would be appreciated.

]]> By: Mark Tranter http://www.redwormcomposting.com/fun-stuff/50-cocoon-challenge-update-4/comment-page-1/#comment-21946 Mark Tranter Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:15:04 +0000 http://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=910#comment-21946 Hi Bentley, I am enjoying your articles a lot - fascinating stuff. I have recently been having a bit of a root round in my various worm-bins and did something similar to what you describe (although in a less scientific way!). I have put the bedding that seemed to have lots of cocoons in it (plus some new bedding) in an nice cosy indoor bin. I have put my big "breeders" in another bin outside full of fresh bedding. I have then put some almost exhausted bedding in my well-composted compost heap (well-past any therophilic action!) along with any smaller worms that I found. I am thinking they will have a ball in there and hopefully breed lots! I've also got another bin outside that is also quite well-stocked with cocoons. Anyway I am hoping to see some interesting things in a few weeks time. By the way, my worms seem to prefer horse-manure and sawdust as a bedding. And I also save my coffee grounds for them. I have yet to pluck up the courage to go begging at my local costa. Don't they give you a funny look when you ask? mark (my nickname with the kids I work with is "The Worminator"!) Hi Bentley,
I am enjoying your articles a lot – fascinating stuff. I have recently been having a bit of a root round in my various worm-bins and did something similar to what you describe (although in a less scientific way!). I have put the bedding that seemed to have lots of cocoons in it (plus some new bedding) in an nice cosy indoor bin. I have put my big “breeders” in another bin outside full of fresh bedding. I have then put some almost exhausted bedding in my well-composted compost heap (well-past any therophilic action!) along with any smaller worms that I found. I am thinking they will have a ball in there and hopefully breed lots! I’ve also got another bin outside that is also quite well-stocked with cocoons. Anyway I am hoping to see some interesting things in a few weeks time.

By the way, my worms seem to prefer horse-manure and sawdust as a bedding. And I also save my coffee grounds for them. I have yet to pluck up the courage to go begging at my local costa. Don’t they give you a funny look when you ask?
mark
(my nickname with the kids I work with is “The Worminator”!)

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