S_Merlo
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A Hatchling Earthworm
| Posts: 11 |   |
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Blue Jeans for bedding? - 2008/07/01 22:02
Hi! I'd like to get some input on your opinions of using old blue jeans denim for bedding. Denim is made from cotton, so it is biodegradable. Cotton is excellent for retaining moisture, so I'd have to really watch how much moisture collects in the bin. And another concern is the blue/indigo dye, will it harm the wormies?
I'm having trouble finding a good bedding. My local newspaper runs toxic ink. My junk mail is almost all glossy. I've tried to get shreddings from local offices, but then I found out they mostly were photocopier pages printed with the toner... and that is harmful to the worms as well, am I wrong?
Sooo, I was cleaning out the closets, and I found almost 15 pair of old, ragged, holey blue jeans. If I take the button, zipper, and other metallic fixtures out, can I shred the denim and not kill the critters?
Thanks! 
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wellsworms
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A Protected Species Earthworm
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Re:Blue Jeans for bedding? - 2008/07/02 09:20
 thats a good idea but. how would you shread them? have a tug of war with the dog?put them the all in the washing machine no soap run thru a rinse cycle to thourghly wet the material add them a few at a time with some food see what happens please post results 
You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it
doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn’t move and does,
use the duct tape.
WELLS,vermont
jerry walker 2008 |
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S_Merlo
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A Hatchling Earthworm
| Posts: 11 | |
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Re:Blue Jeans for bedding? - 2008/07/02 10:18
thats a good idea but. how would you shread them?
I think I have the solution to that one. It's a 6 year old boy who is bored out of his mind this summer, and he just happens to love using scissors on his clothes. (I had to take him changes of clothes to school for the "accidents" he had. His T-shirts were definately "churchy" (holey).
Now, I can appease his desire for destruction, and not have to punish him for it 
Ok, here goes nothing. I'm gonna shred up all my old ragged jeans and cotton shirts. I suppose maybe it will make a nice bedding, seein's how I can't use my local newspaper. They're still behind the times, and using toxic inks... bleh!
Let's shred! (I'm not getting my worms until later this week, so if anyone can find a just cause to stop me, I'll give plenty of time for more responses. Wish me luck)
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gnosnhoj
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A Protected Species Earthworm
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Re:Blue Jeans for bedding? - 2008/07/02 21:48
As an addition to regular bedding, I'd say yeah, but I wouldn't rely on denim as the bedding.
Think of it like this: the little invisible fuzzies (microherd) gotta be able to break it down some before the worms get anything of worth out of it, or even get it into their little mouths.
OM intros will help, but the bedding oughta be good for 'em from the git-go too. I think that cloth will take awhile to get tasty, especially in a new bin.
Shredded paper / leaves, manures etc. do that right quick.
I use shredded office paper all the time, most from laser printers. Haven't seen any problems, but again, it's not all I use.
My bedding is a mix of office paper, newspaper, cardboard and leaves.
Y'all have fun, whatever you're doing.
Gary
Hopkinsville, KY |
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redhen
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A Protected Species Earthworm
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Re:Blue Jeans for bedding? - 2008/07/02 22:07
I had bins at my daughter's elementary school, and we put my husband's cotton boxer shorts in bins. It took the whole school year, but at the end of the year the only thing left was the elastic waist band.
I agree with Gary that other bedding that breaks down faster would be very helpful.
If you are looking to break your son's habit of using scissors on his clothes, I think your idea is golden, as he will tire very fast of the "chore".
Susan Quinby-Honer
redhen@nc.rr.com
Starve the Landfill...Feed the Earth. |
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Bentley
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A Hatchling Earthworm
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Re:Blue Jeans for bedding? - 2008/07/04 20:36
Hi,
Just thought I would chime in here.
Two of my favourite bedding materials are corrugated cardboard, and egg carton cardboard (same stuff used for disposable drink trays at fast food restaurants). I find that the latter material holds water very well and also breaks down very quickly (given that it is cardboard). If you want a little extra absorption, try mixing some coconut coir in with your cardboard - I've noticed that in my area (Ontario, Canada) this material is becoming much more common in stores.
As others have said, while denim will certainly break down eventually, it will take a long time in comparison to other common bedding materials. I remember putting a t-shirt in an outdoor worm bin a number of years ago - it eventually broke down, but as I recall it took a LONG time to do so (similar to Redhen's experience with boxers).
Cheers
B
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