Drill 20 to 50 eighthinch holes around the top 4 inches of each 5gallon bucket to provide plenty of aeration for your african nightcrawlers. These worms are excellent composters and thrive in a worm bin environment. There is a whole lot of misinformation on the web about these worms and how to raise them, they have proved to me, they are one of the easiest worms to raise, period. They are quickly becoming the most popular composting worms in america. If you live in a warmer climate, such as the southern u. If the worms start to surface and come up to the top of the box, they either need 1 more air or 2 clean dirtbedding. African nightcrawlers are copious producers of worm castings, which are body wastes used to enrich composts and soils for crop production. Vermicompost vermicompost is the product of the decomposition process using various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. Profile of an iconic vermicomposter the african nightcrawler earthworm. There are some things you need to know before you try out african night crawlers so read up on the breed here on our anc page. They dont respond to handling well, they get riled up easily, and dont seem to be as hardy as the efs and the encs.
Like other earthworms, african nightcrawlers play a significant role in fertilizing the soil. However, there is a paucity of information about the reproductive biology, growth rate and offtake of the earthworm raised on organic substrates. Pdf lifecycle of the african nightcrawler, eudrilus eugeniae. The most common reason for raising earthworms is the demand for bait sold to sport fishermen. The african nightcrawler is known for its size and appetite. The african nightcrawler, eudrilus eugeniae scientific name, is truly an amazing composting worm. The african nightcrawlers are excellent vermimcomposting worms, that are perfect for home vermicomposting and composting fibrous material such as leaves. If you want to produce worm castings at an amazing rate, get some african nightcrawlers today. Many commercial rabbit producers sell both the organic material in bags and bait worms in cartons as a supplemental source of income.
The african nightcrawler can grow over 8 inches in length and is largest composting worm. Cold weather can be a trying time to the worm farmer or vermicomposter. Take for example the people who make a living out of fishing, like fishermen. The african nightcrawler has been a favorite fishing worm due to tis size and does not need to be refeigerated like the canaidan nightcrawler. European nightcrawlers need to have a ph of anywhere from 6. Therefore 2 lbs of earthworms which amounts to about 4000 worms could eat their way through 1lb food per day. Mar 30, 2021 121 pound of worms just any worms wont do. African nightcrawler starter eggs baby adult worm 16oz. Some are already longer than the euro worms im raising.
When fully grown it is second only in size to the canadian nightcrawler. The book shows how to make simple worm bins from rubbermaid style bins, step by step with pictures to illustrate each step. A good starter size is 2 feet by 3 feet and at least. African night crawlers produce absolutely huge castings. Raising earthworms successfully nc state extension publications. Worm farming is one of the best home based business.
Raising the african nightcrawler the only complete book written concerning this fascinating and highly profitable big worm, to which so many established growers are now turning for extra profits. Raising canadian nightcrawlers at home diy dew worm farm. Ive been raising red wiggler worms and mealworms for over 40 years. Aug 30, 2009 nightcrawlers and other worm types such as a common night crawler, european night crawler, african night crawler, grunt worms, garden worms, red wigglers, and leaf worms are as close as you can get to a universal live bait for all species of freshwater fi. The dark, nutrient rich vermipost created by this earthworm is prized amongst the organic gardeners. If worms are to be sold for bait, sort out the baitsize worms by hand or machine and put the smaller worms back into the beds. If your family enjoys fishing, you will also have a regular supply of bait worms. Sep 09, 2017 both worms perform best at 77f 25cand will tolerate temperatures from 3295f 095c, with moisture levels at about 8085%. They measure roughly four to eight inches long and brownish, grayish or reddish in color. Jul 25, 2020 raise african nightcrawlers in warm climates. Lifecycle of the african nightcrawler, eudrilus eugeniae oligochaeta. African nightcrawlers have a unique coloring, being a mix of grey and purple. It will not survive drops beneath 45 f 7 c however.
African night crawlers are very desirable for vermicomposting, harvesting worm castings, and raising for bait worms. Special considerations for the alabama jumper alabama jumpers are fine living in colonies, however it seems as if they are equally content to dig deep into solitary tunnels periodically coming up to feed on decaying matter on the. Temperatures less than 60 f or greater than 86 f for extend periods of time can be fatal. Dec 18, 2011 going on fishing trips can be quite exciting, especially if youre very passionate about it. So that puts their reproduction rate about 3 less per week than red worms, and on par with african night crawlers. African nightcrawlers are copious producers of worm castings, which are body wastes used to enrich composts and soils fo. Dec 17, 2010 african nightcrawlers are considered perfect worms for composting. The african nightcrawlers are imo, high maintenance.
However the african is more difficult to raise than the red wiggler or european nightcrawler. These worms are awesome for fishing, they are and act like huge redworms, no refrigeration needed, mater of fact they like it hot, 80 deg. It doesnt matter if you are raising red wigglers, african nightcrawlers or european nightcrawlers, they all have the same basic needs. This process is called vermicomposting, while the rearing of worms for this purpose is called vermiculture. Buy red wigglers worm composting and vermicomposting supplies. Pdf lifecycle of the african nightcrawler, eudrilus. Eudriluseugeniae commonly referred to as the african nightcrawler, occurs all over the world but mostly in west. Red worms are the most commonly used species for vermiculture. They also reproduce very quickly, due to their quick maturation rate. The african nightcrawlers are shipped in breathable bags and are breeder size. The african nightcrawlers are starting to stir and they are growing quickly now that the natural heat is kicking in. Pdf eudrilus eugeniae kinberg, 1867, an adaptable exemplar of an.
Please check on your worms at least once a week if you are keeping them for a long time. Texas worm farmafrican nightcrawlers, red wigglers and. The breeding earthworms were kept in plastic trays 15 worms tray added with a substrate made of dried cow dung 550gtray under the laboratory conditions temperature 2328 c, humidity 5565%. Earthworms are sold by weight or by count, and there are two grades. European nightcrawlers grow to be 38 inches long, and are 2 or 3 times bigger than their smaller cousins, the red wigglers. Now when it comes to any live fishing bait, the number one. Eudrillus eugeniae, more commonly known as the african nightcrawler, originated in tropical areas of. European nightcrawlers, african nightcrawlers, and red worms, are all great, but the alabama jumper can go to work in clay and sand unlike the other varieties.
Raising european nightcrawlers carolina pet supply. This is a short video of some juvenile african nightcrawlers that will be breeders in another two weeks or so. Find many more worm raising tips and howtos in our new worm farm manual. Eudrilus eugeniae african night crawler is my personal favorite for indoor vermicomposting. African nightcrawlers need the same care as any other worm genus, requiring five fundamental essentials.
The amazing african nightcrawlers the african nightcrawler, eudrilus eugeniae scientific name, is truly an amazing composting worm. We believe this comprehensive book is more useful to the earthworm grower, or prospective grower, than any other that has ever been published. Red wigglers reproduce more quickly and are smaller than african nightcrawlers. They have huge appetites, they will eat up to 150% of their own body weight each day if given the proper environment and food.
If you are raising african night crawlers for fishing, we have found the finest way to beef them up is to apply. It is very possible to raise canadian night crawlers all you need is a few things and depending on your location a refrigerator to put them in there are several methods for doing this so it would depend on how serious you are and how many you want to grow but for some a plastic shoe box that you can get from walmart will get you around 50 adult worms and a ton of babies so u could dedicate a. Once confidence is gained in raising earthworms, expand the operation. Raising african nightcrawlers shows anyone, even the beginner how to raise these worms which are the best fishing, composting and worm casting producers. They aerate the soil by creating tunnels and channels for oxygen and water to flow through. Some soil types and raised beds with an abundance of organic matter can potentially support red worms and european nightcrawlers, but if you are dealing with sand, clay, or packed. Reproduction of the african earthworm, eudrilus eugeniae. But, with a few precautions and an ever watchful eye, you can keep your worms growing and breeding until spring. Alabama jumpers are fine living in colonies, however it seems as if they are equally content to dig deep into solitary tunnels periodically coming up to feed on decaying matter on the. Refer to my extension publication worms can recycle your garbage ag47318 for instructions on getting started.
They have huge appetites, they will eat up to 150% of their own body weight each day if given the proper environment and proper amount of food. However, as a rule of thumb earthworms eat rd to 12 of their bodyweight in food, per day. Raising worms to use as live fishing bait uncle jims worm farm. In my experience, if the africans want to roam, light doesnt deter them in the least. Raising earthworms successfully nc state extension.
Insert your favorite state alabama, texas, carolina, georgia jumpers are great for mixing and aerating garden soil. This occurred where worms were raised in isolation immediately after they had hatched. Whether your compost bin needs a workhorse or your soil needs a medic, rocky mountain organic supply can supply you with healthy, energetic nightcrawlers excellent for vermicomposting and gardening. Apr 01, 2021 this will enable you to learn firsthand what it is like to raise earthworms as you discover the challenges and demands of maintaining the system. These fishermen will always have their need for the right tools to get their daily catch. Raising european nightcrawlers european nightcrawlers eisenia hortensis are also known as the belgian worm, super red, carolina crawlers and blue worms.
Also gives rough outline for building a stacking tray system. This is an indication that copulation is not required to trigger cocoon. African nightcrawlers rocky mountain organic supply. Pdf ecotaxonomic profile of an iconic vermicomposter the. The bigger your household, the more garbage you will generate and therefore the bigger your worm farm could be. The waste food you provide for the worms breeds microorganisms which the worms in turn eat.
A thoroughly detailed book of primary importance to anyone who plans to experiment with africans. Ive raised african night crawlers, canadian night crawlers and gray night crawlers. Local worm farms or bait stores can usually provide these types of worms. Sep 12, 2019 the african nightcrawler, along with the red wiggler and indian blue worm, are some of the quickest castingmakers.
Best vermicomposting worms for florida dengarden home and. May 18, 2018 african nightcrawlers anc are one of the best worms for quickly decomposing organic matter and for significantly improving soil health. They breed faster than red worms and grow bigger than european night crawlers. I have experienced its power first hand, and been amazed at its strength and ability to work through some hard soil. They will need their line, their hook, and of course, their fish bait. A thoroughly detailed book of primary importance to anyone.
Texas worm farmafrican nightcrawlers, red wigglers and european. Most commercially raised worms live in surface litter and. Raising the african nightcrawler or tropical giant 53 p. The african nightcrawler has a uniform purplegrey sheen. This process is called vermicomposting, while the rearing of worms for this purpose is. How to build and set up a homemade canadian nightcrawler worm farm. This tropical worm species tolerates higher temperatures than its composting cousins. Best vermicomposting worms for florida dengarden home.
You have the option of starting your worm bed either. However, i cannot find a tougher, quicker breeding and easier composting worm to raise than the red wigglers in a worm bin. Vermicomposting how to start an earthworm bin for composting. Viljoen sa, reinecke aj 1988 the number, size and growth of hatchlings of the african nightcrawler, eudrilus eugeniae oligochaeta. A stepbystep guide to raising earthworms for fun and profit. The only commercially available earthworm that is suited for introducing directly to the soil. How to raise nightcrawler worms gone outdoors your. Nightcrawler worm books by shields publications an. Optimum production of african nightcrawlers is between 70 f and 85f. We have red wigglers, african nightcrawlers and european nightcrawlers for sale. African nightcrawler eudrilus eugeniae can measure up to 48 inches long.
Well i got lots of eggs, lots of wisps and all sizes of adult worms plus as a bonus an excellent instruction manual. Always shrouded in mystery, most oldtime worm growers kept their secrets to themselves. Presence of this worm raised experimental pasture yields up to. This large tropical earthworm can tolerate higher temperatures, preferring bedding temperature from 70 f 21 c to 90 f 32 c. Dew worms, or nightcrawlers are one of the most popular fishing baits out there. Uncle jims worm farm european nightcrawlers composting and fishing worms 2 lb pack. Our manual gives you all the information you need to grow a successful worm business.
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