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jolj

why are my redworms turning GRAY

jolj
14 years ago

I think they are sick, please help.

Comments (9)

  • kathmcd7
    14 years ago

    I'm not sure if I can help, but we would need more information. How long have you had the bin; when did you notice any change; why do you think they are sick; what have you been feeding; is the bin too wet or too dry; and anything else you think is pertinent.
    Kath

  • ncdirtdigger
    14 years ago

    my 1st thought would be too wet

  • jolj
    Original Author
    14 years ago

    ONLY A FEW TURN GRAY. I HAVE HAD THEM FOR 14MONTH, THE OTHER ARE FINE & RED. A FEW TURNED GRAY, NO REASON THAT I CAN SEE.
    THANKS

  • whitepwr
    14 years ago

    you're probably YELLING at them too much.

  • jolj
    Original Author
    14 years ago

    Sorry, Know really I am sorry
    I have been on sites for about 4 months.
    I keep forgeting that the Caps Lock is on.
    My wife told me ALL caps mean I am YELLING, but I forget.
    I am learning(it just takes some of us longer then other).
    The hunt & pick does not help.
    I will try to remember, thank you for yelling back. Oh I do not know what to tell you about the worms. they are happy, even the few Gray ones. If I find out why I will Let you Know.

  • african
    14 years ago

    One possibility is that at some point you have somehow got some egg casings from a common earthworm species such as Lubricus terrestris mixed into your bin environment - did you put any garden compost or soil into your bin at any stage?

    Here is a link that might be useful: Earthworm versus Redworm

  • fosteem1
    14 years ago

    Could they be pot worms?

  • rom.calgary.ab
    14 years ago

    Pot worms tend to be long, thin and more white than gray. If only a few are gray I want to say don't worry, even if you lost a few, once you really get going they reproduce so quickly that you will eventually not care (some people care about each worm but I'm speaking in general terms).

    I use a stacking bin system and at first was really careful not to squish any when looking through the trays and putting them down so I could poke through the tray below. Now I am somewhat careful but there are so many and they reproduce so quickly that a squished worm now and then doesn't phase me. I don't go squishing them on purpose but sometimes you can't help it. As Spock says, "The good of the many outweighs the good of the few ..."

  • steamyb
    14 years ago

    I have at least four(4) different species of worms living together. I only bought "Red Wigglers".
    Maybe the gray worms are a different type of worm and they share the space with the worms you bought.
    By the way, I think a "mix" of worms actually do a better job of composting because each type of worm has different tastes and talents. They also have different needs but they are all proven survivors.
    Good Luck with them worms!