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Boardwalk :: Forum List Six (6) New Worm Digest Forums 1) General Earthworm Discussion Forum
James Davis
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A Juvenile Earthworm
Posts: 29
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 Cooling Bins - 2005/11/17 08:50 I have been having problems with my worms dieing; not many I have 10,000. I have been finding 3 to 5 dead a night. I used organic cow manuer from the local hardware store and mixed it with peet humus to start my bins. The temperature fell last night when i felt the soil it was warm. I think my beds are too hot is there a way to cool them down or should I leave them for the winter.
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redhen
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A Protected Species Earthworm
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 Re:Cooling Bins - 2005/11/17 09:05 James..What kind of bins do you have? Are they outdoors? For today, I would take the top off your bin and stir it up a bit. Maybe add some cool shredded paper or even a gallon size baggie with ice cubes on the top of your bedding. That peat and manure will heat up quickly and may take a day or so to cool down. If your bins are outdoors and the temps are going to drop, that will work in your favor. Susan Quinby-Honer
redhen@nc.rr.com
Starve the Landfill...Feed the Earth.
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James Davis
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A Juvenile Earthworm
Posts: 29
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 Re:Cooling Bins - 2005/11/17 22:00 Red Hen,
Thanks for the reply. The bins I have are 4'wide x 16'
long. They are outside with no tops. I was told to use organic cow manure,peat humus,and sawdust for my bedding. Now I am being told that the cow manure is going to be too hot for the worms. The worms that are dying look like a balloon when you twist it into segments. I know worms can't live forever so what is a normal amount of dead worms to expect?
In His Service,
James
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Bob Ingram
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A Protected Species Earthworm
Posts: 156
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 Re:Cooling Bins - 2005/11/18 10:44 James that sounds like a condition they used to call 'protein poisoning'. It's my belief you can't protein poison a worm...a change of feed, which require different digestive enzymes, sounds more like the culprit to me. How long have you had these worms? How were they bedded and fed before? You might try scattering a little baking soda on your bed...it might help, and won't hurt. Seeya, Bob www.trinity-ranch.com
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James Davis
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A Juvenile Earthworm
Posts: 29
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 Re:Cooling Bins - 2005/11/18 17:27 Bob,
Thanks for your quick reply. I purchased the worms about 3 weeks ago. I was told they were E-Hortensis?
The beddings they came from had alot of peanut hulls and sawdust and thats really all I know. The man said he fed them spent brewery grain. I have been feeding them very little laying mash and corn meal. Is there any way to stop this condition or will the worms adapt? It seems that most of the worms are doing good.I appreciate all the advice I can get. This is new to me and my wife. God Bless!
In His Service,
James

P.S. I did not see any dead worms last night and the temp was cooler. I did not put as much water on the bed.
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Bob Ingram
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A Protected Species Earthworm
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 Re:Cooling Bins - 2005/11/19 00:37 It could very well take three weeks for the worms to adapt to a new feed. Fresher sawdust, and even peanut hulls could heat some when wetted down, as well. I've used laying mash, but didn't care for it. If you mix it into your bedding, it'll heat, too, like any grain product...things should level out for you soon, Seeya, Bob www.trinity-ranch.com
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Kuznles
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A Juvenile Earthworm
Posts: 59
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 Re:Cooling Bins - 2005/11/20 20:50 How hot are the bins getting? If the bedding is not above 70 to 80?F it shouldn't hurt the worms at all.

You may also be over feeding your worms, with the manure and other bedding it they shouldn't need to much food. KuznLes

Kountrykuznworms.com
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Boardwalk :: Forum List Six (6) New Worm Digest Forums 1) General Earthworm Discussion Forum

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