Just a quick update regarding my new(ish) 4 Worm Reproduction Experiment. I decided to check on the systems yesterday evening (Day 70) – and it really hit home that these systems were in serious need of an upgrade. Yes, it’s pretty clear that I’m going to easily disprove the myth about a Red Worm population only doubling in 90 days – but when it comes down to it I’ve definitely been throttling the true population growth potential by keeping these worms in tiny sour cream tubs.
As you can see in the images below, the volume of material in all systems had decreased a fair bit, and things were getting pretty dry up near the top. This was particularly pronounced in the cardboard treatment (3rd image down).
That being said, the worms in all the systems still seemed to be doing OK. I didn’t do any official counts, but I think most (if not all) of the original breeder worms are alive – and there are plenty of young worms as well.
I had hoped that it would be easier to do counts at this point – but a lot of the worms still seem to be “hatchling” size. I’m sure this is at least partially due to the living conditions.
In an effort to help the worms out a bit, I decided to transfer the contents of the sour cream containers into larger yogurt containers. I then topped each bin up with a moistened bedding/food mix I’ve been experimenting with.
Day 90 is on March 18 so I will aim to do a more thorough assessment of the systems some time around then. Rather than continue on with these same tubs, I am thinking I’d like to start over again – this time trying different sized (larger) containers. I think it will be really interesting to see how fast a population can grow – again starting with only 4 worms – when there are fewer contraints.
Stay Tuned!
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Previous Posts in Series
Red Worm Cocoon Production in Different Materials
Cocoon Production in Different Materials – Day 21
4 Worm Reproduction (2019) ā Day 44
Do you remember your two-worm experiment? I took part in it and my worm tub ended up with 75 worms. Then I went on holiday and placed the warms into my larger tub.
Are you feeding anything at this point, or at all? Iām going to go find the original post!
Just ordered two pounds of worms from you! So excited to continue growing my population! ??
Janice – I remember some “4 worm” experiments, but not a “2 Worm” one other than the current Euro experiment. But that’s not to say it didn’t happen – haha!
Composting worms will certainly reproduce quite quickly if you give them what they need!
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Devin – All I added last time was a nutritious habitat material (which does technically have food mixed in). Just riding this one out till the conclusion.
Thanks for the order!
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Yes, Bentley, you did start a two-worm experiment in yoghurt tubs and I remember it as it was the first time I had ever taken part in taking notes of time and food and starting with two worms. Each month I counted the worms and I found it very interesting. I even managed to interest some youngsters in worms. It must have been four or five years ago and you in your large world of worms and all the interesting things you do, it is not surprising that you do not remember.
Janice in British Columbia.