Silk worms

[scm133]

I have found contradictions on raising them the first two weeks. One site says to keep them in an incubator the whole two weeks. The other site, where I got my eggs, said to not leave them in the incubator once they start feeding. I am going to take advice from the second one, and transfer them into a small tub. We will see how this goes. :roll:

 

[scm133]

Here is the 3rd day after hatching: As you can see they are no longer black threads, but tiny, tiny white worms.

 

[SherryInFL]

Wow! I need to try that!

 

[paperplanes]

Haha wow. Interesting

 

[trinity040400]

Do they need to be incubated?

 

[scm133]

Do they need to be incubated?

They hatch at 78-88 degrees. You can hatch them without incubator if your temps are in that range. I already had an incubator, and put the petri dish with eggs at 82 degrees, and they hatched in 5 days.

 

[paperplanes]

Do they need a certain environment to stay alive? Humid? Dry? Light?

 

[scm133]

Do they need a certain environment to stay alive? Humid? Dry? Light?

The highest mortality seems to be from mold, and bacteria. The leftover food has to dry out if not eaten,before adding new. The food itself is moist, and is grated over the worms. Any condensation or high humidity will be a breeding ground for mold. You have to wash your hands before handling the food, or worms. They are very sensitive to bacteria. The temps need to stay 78-88. Regular room lighting is ok. This is my first time hatching eggs, and growing the worms. So far they are eating well, and growing. I plan on transferring them to a large tub tomorrow.
I have been successful in buying small silkworms, and raising them. I purchased some cocoons to see if I could get eggs. I actually have some moths from the cocoons now. They are mating and laying eggs. It is an amazing cycle.

 

[scm133]

This is the cutest face!!

Male Silkworm Moth

 

[paperplanes]

It looks like a gargoyle. How big is it?

 

[scm133]

It looks like a gargoyle. How big is it?

They are only 1 inch long. Fuzzy little bodies.

 

[rammsteinfreaky]

I find them fascinating most of mine are currently cocooned will be interesting to see what happens in the next few weeks

 

[paperplanes]

Would it be easier to by them small and grow them?

 

[rammsteinfreaky]

I've had no issues so far I bought them when they were quite small, it's my first first owning them and attempting to breed them. Guess if you haven't got time to spare cleaning them out and feeding them everyday then maybe buying eggs might be the easier option. But to be honest it takes me about 5 mins to feed and clean them. really enjoying the experience so far, might think different in a few weeks though.... Moths urgh

 

[scm133]

Would it be easier to by them small and grow them?

To start out, definitely!! Once you have gone through a few batches, and feel comfortable, then you can purchase the eggs and hatch them out. Silkworms are expensive, and shipping during hot weather is rough on them. That is why I started hatching.