Another silkworm question

[shaunaroxanne]

Ok, I read all the silkworm 101 stuff, and a million other articles and forums and I am more confused than when I started. I know how to get them from purchased eggs (Mulberry Farms) to moth. I am doing well with the worms, I have a few that I think will start cocooning soon. And I think I am clear on mating and laying eggs.

What I am confused about is what to do AFTER the eggs are laid. Some say put in fridge for diapause, some say don't.

What should I do with the eggs after they are laid? I have an incubator, but WHEN do I put them in the incubator? Do they need to be diapaused first?

Any insight would be so much appreciated!

 

[SonTigerPantherCham]

Send Suzi a pm, she seems to be the queen of all things with eggs!
Everything in her house is either breeding, eggs or hatching

 

[NORChameleons]

After the moth has deposited her eggs, leave them in room temperature till the eggs darken, takes 2-3 days. Transfer the eggs to a cool place, the temperature I ahve found to work is 5 degrees celcius.
The eggs must have a cooling period of at least 25 days.
Take eggs out at need, and they will hatch in about 2-3 weeks in 23 degrees celcius.
If you leave the eggs without a cooling period, only 1 of 30 clutches will hatch.

 

[shaunaroxanne]

After the moth has deposited her eggs, leave them in room temperature till the eggs darken, takes 2-3 days. Transfer the eggs to a cool place, the temperature I ahve found to work is 5 degrees celcius.
The eggs must have a cooling period of at least 25 days.
Take eggs out at need, and they will hatch in about 2-3 weeks in 23 degrees celcius.
If you leave the eggs without a cooling period, only 1 of 30 clutches will hatch.

Wow 1 out of 30, that's not good stats! So as long as I get them in there for 26 days, they should hatch whenever I take them out?

 

[NORChameleons]

That is correct, based on my own experience of breeding the Bombyx mori for quite some time.
The hatch rate after 25 days are close to 100%

 

[shaunaroxanne]

That is correct, based on my own experience of breeding the Bombyx mori for quite some time.
The hatch rate after 25 days are close to 100%

Great, thank you so much. I knew I would get my answer here. I love this place!