How to keep silkworms alive?

[kwmc]

Hi all,

I bought a dozen of silkworms for my cham each week. I kept them in a small plastic container with couples air holes for ventilation, and fed them with chow. However, 1 or 2 silkworms would die every day after discharging its fluid. Any idea? Thanks.

 

[carol5208]

try leaving the lid off. My silks really thrive and I leave them in a tupperware container that is about 3 inches deep with no lid. They don not crawl out. It is just an idea.

 

[shaunaroxanne]

try leaving the lid off. My silks really thrive and I leave them in a tupperware container that is about 3 inches deep with no lid. They don not crawl out. It is just an idea.

I agree, they need more air. Out of the 400ish I had, maybe 6 have died. Also, they can't get too cold and when they get really huge they need to have food at all times or they will die.

 

[kwmc]

Thank you all. Will give it a try.

 

[kingsleysandoval]

what do you feed your silkworms? thanks.

 

[carol5208]

they eat mulberry. Either leaves or a processed chow that is made by the breeders we buy them from. I have read they will survive on dandelion leaves and shaved carrots but that is only temporary if you run out of mulberry. I don't think that they can be sustained for any long period of time with anything other than mulberry. Please correct me If I am wrong someone. I tried carrot one day, and they did not touch it. I guess it worked for another member though.

 

[kwmc]

I fed my silkworms with chow. No way to have mulberry leaves in here.