Oh, how awful. Those are dying and dead worms, definitely. They smell awful and are gooey. Healthy worms don't smell bad. I would call and inform the seller that it appears the worms died en route. They should not be gooey like that. I've seen worms die like that when they are overfed and the bin doesn't have enough oxygen. Can't say that's what caused it, but those poor worms you got are are in a bad way.

Thanks for the response chervena, I've emailed the seller my problems. Fingers are crossed they get it corrected quickly. Sad day for my wormies and to think....the kids had already started naming them before they arrived, LOL.
I've put the bin with the survivors to bed, will check on their progress next weekend and if I still have life then I'll start feeding them :)

Slowly. Only 27 worms will be overfed in no time if you aren't careful. You might even leave them alone until the cardboard is gone, but that's very very hard to do.

Patrick, I hope you get a refund or a new batch of worms. Bummer for the kids. Keep us posted on how this gets resolved. Here are some links you might want to check out. The Mini worm bin is especially good for the kids. Just keep it in a box or bag so it's not exposed to light most of the time. I suggest getting a red LED flashlight or headlamp so you can look at the worms without hurting them with white light.

Worms purchased from online sellers: unpacking videos
Mini Worm Bin
Worm suppliers

Cheers,
Andrew

Most sellers are pretty good hopefully it all works out if not post there name on here. Mail is probly a little slow due to the upcoming holidays and did it get unusually cold or hot on there trip freezing would definatly be bad

I'm happy to report that a replacement batch arrived today. Sadly they spent a week in transit, likely due to the holidays, but other than a few dried worms they were all very happy to be home!! Placed them in my bin and within half an hour they have all migrated down.
Since the first 27 are still alive and kicking and I would say the bin is in great condition for these new worms... I'll officially call myself a vermicomposter :) Gosh, I hope I didn't just jinx myself, lol.
On another note.... my father in law gave us an old smoker, one of the tall ones like an Old Smokey. I'm thinking of converting it into a flow through project after the first of the year. Already has a grate and lid, so I'm thinking why not.....
Thoughts anyone? My main concern is rust, but I could line it with pond lining or a tarp like I've seen some do. It's metal, so definitely no direct sun if I should keep it outside. Plenty of time to play around with the idea :)

Smoker? Like there would be less beef jerkey in the world? That can't be good.

You may find covers are not necessary nor used by (any, some, a few) experienced vermicomposters. The solid sides will not be allowing in air. I do not know how far air penetraits into vermocompost. Maybe somebody does. The grate may be tricking you. I'm not convinced vermicompost actually sinks down to the grate. Also I am not convinced vermocompost actually falls through a grate. Certainly not with out assistance.

I would hate for the world to have less beef jerkey.