My other thread "Silkworm Colony? thinking of trying one" had changed course and didn't make sense anymore because I actually tried one. So here is the new thread.
I started with 150 silkies. Of these approx 30 made cocoons. About half have emerged, of which only 4 have been female. One female died (had trouble getting out of her cocoon), but the others have mated and laid eggs. It looks like I have about 100 or so eggs from these three females. Hopefully I get some more females from the remaining cocoons. My goal would be to at least have more eggs than worms I started with. The eggs are currently in an incubator and should hatch in the coming weeks.
As for the mulberry leaf experiment, it seems one month is about the max vacuum packed leaves will last in the fridge. In the end it seems buying chow is the best option for food over the winter. I'll let you guys know if I find a chow recipe, but so far information on that subject has been VERY hard to come by.
I will add to this thread as the eggs hatch and the worms grow. Also I'll try to give an overall synopsis of how I went about keeping them, I.E. what worked and what didn't, how to identify mulberry trees, how to keep the enclosure clean, ect. in the hopes that it will help others who plan to do the same.
Aaron
I started with 150 silkies. Of these approx 30 made cocoons. About half have emerged, of which only 4 have been female. One female died (had trouble getting out of her cocoon), but the others have mated and laid eggs. It looks like I have about 100 or so eggs from these three females. Hopefully I get some more females from the remaining cocoons. My goal would be to at least have more eggs than worms I started with. The eggs are currently in an incubator and should hatch in the coming weeks.
As for the mulberry leaf experiment, it seems one month is about the max vacuum packed leaves will last in the fridge. In the end it seems buying chow is the best option for food over the winter. I'll let you guys know if I find a chow recipe, but so far information on that subject has been VERY hard to come by.
I will add to this thread as the eggs hatch and the worms grow. Also I'll try to give an overall synopsis of how I went about keeping them, I.E. what worked and what didn't, how to identify mulberry trees, how to keep the enclosure clean, ect. in the hopes that it will help others who plan to do the same.
Aaron
