Worm Digest - Re:Is my bin too dry??

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1) General Earthworm Discussion Forum

growsveges
User

A Hatchling Earthworm

Posts: 10

Is my bin too dry?? - 2008/06/26 06:21 Hi,
I have 4 bins of worms, all without holes, 2 10 gallon reg. style and this 10 gallon one that's the old flatter style with lots of surface area. I've had these worms the longest and have harvested vc once, but after I did I moved them from a false bottom 18 gallon bin to this one.
Ever since I did so, (3 weeks now), if I leave the lid closed, condensate forms quickly and almost ALL the worms are on the sides and top of the lid. (tried to post a pic-but no luck)
They never actually leave the bin, but it's a pain to get the little guys off the lid and back to the bin. If I leave the lid propped open a bit, all is fine. They've been eating just fine and seem healthy, but I wonder why they 're doing this.
Do you think my bin is too dry? It seems moist, but def. not soggy. I have a layer of cardboard on top of the bedding (shredded paper, vc and shredded cardboard) and dry paper on top of that to absorb the condensate.
Do your worms ever do this?
Do you think I should add holes to get rid of the condensate or spritz the bedding with water? Or something else?
(They're all indoors, bins are about 80 degrees)

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/advice,
Cathy

Post edited by: growsveges, at: 2008/06/26 07:59

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Swimmus
User

A Mature Breeder Earthworm

Posts: 85

Re:Is my bin too dry?? - 2008/06/29 21:13 I would not worry, they are just exploring around. Unless there is a mass exodus, its just a little curiosity.

As long as there is condensation, you have enough moisture. Just keep temps low and you will be fine (based upon the info given). www.wormcrusader.com

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growsveges
User

A Hatchling Earthworm

Posts: 10

Re:Is my bin too dry?? - 2008/07/01 12:56 Thanks for the reply Swimmus!

I think it's a mass exodus; well kinda, cause they do stay inside the bin.
Below is a link to a picture of them on the sides. I haven't had worms long enough to know if this is normal or not. In my other bins, I see trails on the sides if there is condensate and some wanderers in the a.m., but nothing like this.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2650606730103690614AjzOTt?vhost=good-times

thanks,
Cathy

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binner
User

A Juvenile Earthworm

Posts: 35

Re:Is my bin too dry?? - 2008/07/01 13:20 Looks like a mass exodus to me or at least an attempt to get some oxygen. I think that you need to get some holes in your container right away if you're going to keep a cover on your bin.

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redhen

User

A Protected Species Earthworm

Posts: 680

Re:Is my bin too dry?? - 2008/07/01 15:33 Those are not happy worms.
It may be air they are looking for.
Have you noticed the interior heating up under that cardboard.
I would try taking that cardboard off and adding some more damp shredded paper.
What are you feeding them? Susan Quinby-Honer
redhen@nc.rr.com
Starve the Landfill...Feed the Earth.

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Swimmus
User

A Mature Breeder Earthworm

Posts: 85

Re:Is my bin too dry?? - 2008/07/01 15:34 Yep, they are trying to get out. Add some dirt to give em some microbes (if you have castings, throw it in. Leave the lid off and place a light over the bin to keep them in.

Do you have any rotting food to entice them? www.wormcrusader.com

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growsveges
User

A Hatchling Earthworm

Posts: 10

Re:Is my bin too dry?? - 2008/07/01 17:41 Thanks all,
This has been happening for a few weeks now. As long as I leave the lid cracked, they stay put. If I cover it, even during the day, within about 8 hours they are all on the sides.
The bin is about 50% castings, the rest shredded paper and cardboard.
I feed them chopped veges and coffee grounds about 2x/week. I haven't noticed any heat build-up but we keep the house at 80 so the bin temp is 80-82. The other 2 10 gallon bins I have are deeper, so maybe they aren't able to cool off in this shallower bin?

I'll try taking out the cardboard, add more moistened paper and give them something gooey.
If that doesn't work I'll add some holes along the top sides.

thanks again!
Cathy

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Kori
User

A Juvenile Earthworm

Posts: 58

Re:Is my bin too dry?? - 2008/07/02 12:19 If the lid is on, then the bin is dark right? Wouldn't they just be exploring because they can? I had covered my bin onece and noticed casting stuck to the walls. When I stopped covering it they stopped exploring. I guess this is more a question than a statement.

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growsveges
User

A Hatchling Earthworm

Posts: 10

Re:Is my bin too dry?? - 2008/07/04 08:55 I gave them about 5 more inches of moist shredded paper on top and they haven't massed on the sides for two nights now.
Here I was thinking the poor guys are a little thirsty when I was probably a few degrees away from a mass bin death. Phew! Thanks again; glad I have a place to come for questions!
Kori - check the pic in my first post. I always have casting on the sides of my bins and sometimes a worm or two hanging out, but never almost all of them still on the sides after the lid was closed.

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