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worms, worms everywhere in hay
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Posted by sparkett788 AR--Z7(b?) (My Page) on Wed, Jan 20, 10 at 13:03
| We've had unusually cold weather (over 1 month below freezing at night). I used hay to provide a dog potty area--it's been about 3-4 months, and time to change it. I raked all the used hay up and it was teeming with red worms all throughout it...but especially into the cardboard that I laid down first. I was surprised at that many with the freezing cold. The hay was at least 6" thick though. I just put it into a large low pile in another section of the yard, and will use it for flower beds/landscaping later this spring. Everything that wasn't on the surface of the hay was broken down and could not be identified. Not sure if the worms were red worms or earth worms--but they were quite red--but much larger than what's in my worm bin inside. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: worms, worms everywhere in hay
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| What a lovely surprise! I'd be tempted to just keep adding another layer of cardboard and hay, and let the little fellas go to town. I'd only be guessing, but I'd reckon they'd have to be a composting type of worm to be so attracted to this medium. Maybe the size is simple becaused of the natural environment ie gold fish get bigger in outdoor ponds than they do in little aquariums. Cheers |
RE: worms, worms everywhere in hay
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| I was tempted to just add more on top--but I had reason to get rid of what was there(had a sick dog). I left the cardboard down and the bottom mushy layer--just scooped up the dirty stuff on top. Can't wait to see what's in the hay piles this spring! You're probably right about the size and available space. I used to have aquariums and you are so right! |
RE: worms, worms everywhere in hay
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| The cage might need a redesign since the deep litter method might take a lot of space. But I would say Great Idea! Even if it does not work right away, I think it has potential. |
RE: worms, worms everywhere in hay
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| Worms need pretty high moisture content. Damp hay, unless it's really deep under the fresh hay, might not be so good for the guinea pigs. I'm also not sure how the worms would handle accumulation of urine. Since this is a cage, I assume you eventually have to clean out the hay & poop. Why not just mix all that in with other compostables and give it to the worms after the hot composting stage has passed? Andrew |
RE: worms, worms everywhere in hay
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I hear a lot about people keeping cages (guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, etc.) above the worm bin, so the poop falls in, but in with the guinea pigs, not sure, like Andrew says above. Just my $.02. Sounds good though if the pigs are good with it!!
kelly |
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