Feeding Silkworms

[AlecWade]

Hey everyone,

Got back from the local reptile expo and was able to get some appropriately sized silkworms from Lindas Gone Buggie! The hornworms were too big for my guy but I was happy that I could finally see if Nasir cared much for silkies. He did! Gobbled up atleast 10 of them which I placed on branches and vines around his cage.

It's been awhile since I kept silkworms. I'm feeding them fresh mulberry leaves off of my neighbors tree. He doesn't spray pesticides and I cleaned the leaves off first. How often should I feed the worms fresh leaves? I placed a layer of leaves over the worms about 7 hours ago and they have shredded 90% of the food!

How often do those of you who use mulberry leaves feed these worms? I'd like to fatten them up a bit!

Thanks,
Alec

 

[jannb]

You can keep leaves in there at all times if you want to fatten them up.

 

[AlecWade]

Thank you! I guess I'll let them nom out as much as they'd like then.

Here's another question: Should I keep my silkworms above room temperature? (70-75*) If yes, then is a low wattage bulb okay?

 

[Zubi]

Oh sweet, was there an expo today..........I totally forgot about it, and i really need silkies *Facepalm*

 

[AlecWade]

Sure was... Mark Sunday the 19th on your calendar and come up for the next one!

 

[dragongoddess]

Mine have always done great a room temperature, but I don't know the weather in Chicago. But 70-75 sounds good.

 

[AlecWade]

Thanks for the input!

 

[spawn]

How much do the silkworms move in comparison to the hornworms? I have horns and one of my outstaleti's does not care for horns but the other LOVES them, even when they're not moving.