Day One - Unpacking the worms

Before the worms arrive, prepare the bin for your
new herd. There are many different ways  to
prepare, but the simple and easy way to start is
by adding a mixture of shredded newspaper,
partly decomposed leaves, a little dirt and some
almost rotten food ( watermelon and cantaloupes
are my worm favorites).

Take the leaves and shredded newspaper and
mix in with water. Soak for a day. Drain, dry and
fluff the bedding into the new bin and wring out all
excess moisture. Your bedding should be damp -
like an almost dry sponge. Next, and this
important- add some more dry shredded
newspaper. This will definitely soak up any
excessive moisture and will insure that the food
you add will not make an overflow.  Place  a small
amount of chow on top of the bedding, covering
no more than 20% of the  top. Let The bin age
while the worms come to you. Before adding
worms, make sure the bedding is still in a
favorable condition.

When placing the worms in the bin, spread them
out over the top of the bedding. They will seek
darker locations and will avoid light. You may want
to add a small light over the bin for the next few
days, until they settle in to their new home and it
will keep them from trying to escape. After a few
days, and a healthy feast on the food, they will
soon be happily eating and mating.

Check regularly on the moisture content of the
bin. Lift up the bedding and examine the bottom of
the bin- there should be no standing water and
the bottom layer should be about as moist as the
top layers (the top will always be just a little dryer.)
If you think the bin is too moist, add dry
newspaper to the wettest areas.

Drain holes can be used  if you choose, but if you
have any significant drainage, then your bin is too
wet. Ideal conditions  for your bin is just a drop or
two per week out of the drain holes.

Be careful not to let your bin get too dry. Hot arid
climate needs more moisture than a more humid
environment. The first few weeks, you will want to
check on the worms often, to insure they have
everything they need.

Feeding is very simple - add a small amount at
first to the top of the bedding. Do not cover entire
bed, just a small area, in case the food “heats”
the bin up. When the food is no longer
recognizable, add about the same amount plus a
little more. Notice the time it takes for the food to
disappear and add food based upon what you
see. In a few weeks, you will know how much your
worms will eat and you will be able to give them a
proper balance.

In Review:

  1. Prepare the bin- shredded newspaper,
    decaying leaves and just a little rotten food
  2. Mix paper and leaves and soak
  3. Wring out moisture - damp only
  4. Leave light on for 48 hours or as needed,
    to force the worms into the bin.
  5. Feed only when last meal is gone

These instructions are to be used for guidelines
only and is not intended to be absolute.  Please
call if you have any questions- 434.466.9638
  1. Prepare the bin-
    shredded
    newspaper,
    decaying leaves
    and just a little
    rotten food
  2. Mix paper and
    leaves and soak
  3. Wring out
    moisture - damp
    only
  4. Leave light on for
    48 hours to force
    the worms into
    the bin
  5. Feed only when
    last meal is gone
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