I don't know, but I think you may have a problem. I have 3 COW towers with 8 trays in progress and I don't find any dead worms at all. I'm sure that worms are dying in my farm but I suppose that they decompose very rapidly and get recycled.

Dave Nelson

The safe number of dead worms to see would be zero. Maybe one or two from old age but even that would be strange because the tiny things decompose so quickly. Even a single dead worm is a messanger with a story to tell. A sick worm might be an even better messanger due to symptoms for diagnosis. A further search should be made though the bin to see if a reason can be determined. Then generally the Rx would be do not add anymore food. Maybe remove recently added food that may be fermenting, or tons of onions, garlic, citris, pineapple, cornmeal or other fermentable substance. Add in more air. Add in more carbon such as egg carton, corrigated cardboard. Insure drainage. Maybe grab some healthy worms to segregate to repropagate in case things in the main bin go down hill.

you all were right and very helpful.....and right! I did have a problem - I changed out the dirt on the top tray and started over. so far all the worms are alive and healthy. I think I overdid the food and overdid moisture. Thanks!