mold on silkworms

[Dracosbuddy]

I just noticed that there is mold in the silkworm container, should I toss them or would moving them be ok?

 

[ShannyBeard]

You should move them or the mold will kill them. They eat 24/7 so they have to have their chow. When I have had mold, I have removed all the silkworms and cut the mold off the chow. I put the chow in the bottom of another plastic container and place the silks on top of it. Just be aware the chow can get hard if it dries out. Funny it molds if it gets too humid in there. It's a delicate balance.

 

[Dracosbuddy]

Thanks! I was hoping I wouldn't have to toss them, they're expensive!

 

[ShannyBeard]

I've never tossed silks due to mold and I've had no problems. I raise them from eggs in an incubator and make their chow from a powdered mix that I buy, so I have a lot of experience with these little guys.

 

[Dracosbuddy]

Is it hard or complicated to raise them?

 

[ShannyBeard]

No it really isn't hard to raise them but you have to take care of the hatching silks each morning and night. They can die easily before they reach the 3/4 inch size, but then after that point they are pretty hardy. If you want to raise them and need any tips or help, PM me and I can help you. You need a Hovabator (the model without the fan), powdered chow and the eggs. I keep them in the petri dish for about the first 5 days and then transfer them to a plastic container. I keep them in the incubator until they are the size I want then I slow down their growth by taking them out. They have been fun to raise, but you have to have time to deal with them and take care of them like they are one of your pets. :lol: