It has been almost 3 MONTHS since my last ‘4 Worm Experiment’ update, so I figured I better provide one this week for sure. I was actually away for more than 2 weeks recently so I haven’t even been monitoring the system for quite some time. Before I went away I did however make sure to thoroughly soak the contents of the bin to make sure it didn’t totally dry out on me (I’ve been having issues with keeping everything moist in that bin).
If you need some background info on this experiment, be sure to check out my first post in the series: Four Worm Reproduction Experiment. I’m sure many of you who have been following since the beginning could even use a refresher given how long I’ve gone between posts!
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As expected, quite a bit has changed since I last looked in. I’m happy to report that I found quite a few baby worms at varying stages of growth. The one pictured above could be considered more of a juvenile worm than a baby. I also found a very diverse ecosystem now thriving in the system – I guess all that moisture I added really helped. There are lots of mites, springtails, various kinds of insect larvae – even white worms (I think – need to have a closer look with my Eyeclops). I was able to find three of the four adult Red Worms, all congregated in one corner of the bin. I didn’t want to disturb the system TOO much so I didn’t didn’t bother continuing my search for the fourth worm.
It looks as though things are once again starting to dry out, especially around the edges, so I’m going to try to be more diligent with my watering. I want to be able to add a second tray to the system before Christmas – haha! All joking aside, I have little doubt that once the young worms grow up the waste materials will start getting processed a lot more quickly!
There were a few other brave souls who decided to try out their own Four Worm Experiments, but I haven’t heard back from anyone in awhile (no surprise there, given the lack of updates on my part!!). Allen, from Driftless Ramblings was actually blogging about his experiment, but his last update was back in January. Hopefully I can inspire him to provide an update as well!
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Anyway, thats all for now. Won’t let it go as long before the next update!
[tags]worms, worm reproduction, red worms, red wigglers, worm composting, vermicomposting, worm bins, experiments[/tags]
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When you say many babies, how many? Approximately, of course.
10s 100s?
Hi Kami,
I would guess 10’s. Again, I really didn’t want to root around too much – I guess that’s one limitation of the project. Tough to come up with exact numbers (which is kinda important, given the original purpose) without completely disturbing the system. Hmmm…will have to think about that a little more.
B
Bentley,
You must have missed my small update at the end of Feburary, not that it was that significant. I to found a couple of the adults and some juveniles. It has been about a month since I really checked them out so I’m also due to post an update. I’ve been attending o the bins but haven’t really investigated them lately as I’ve been focused on other topics like my photography which I’ve done more recent posts about. I need to combine the two interests and get some shots of the worms!
You guys are making the European nightcrawlers sound interesting, but I doubt I can find them at the local bait shop to get started with.
Allen
Hey Allen!
Great to see you ’round these parts! 😉
Hope all is well.
Will be interested to hear how your experiment is going (once you’re able to provide an update).
You should definitely combine your interest in photography with vermicomposting hobby – I’ve been amazed with what can be captured with a pretty basic digital camera!
Hi Allen
About buying european N/C
I am guessing you live in the USA, Euros are not much more $ then the reds, In Canada I sell them for the same price as the reds.
There is some good breeders in the USA, The fact is my breeding stock came from the USA.
You should get yourself some!
shipping in the USA only takes a couple of days.It is a different story if you are trying to get them through customs.HAHA, believe me I know all about that.
Thanks Jeff