Silkworm colony
- Thread starter Bernie
- Start date
Sherlinwed
New Member
Unfortunately there isnt a quick method. I dont remove everything, but what I did do is instead of using the shredder, I actualy cut long slabs so its easier to clean when theyre that small.
I find a bunch of them are joined together by silk and chow. Can I pick them up in a bunch and put them on top of fresh food? Also, there are white bits in amongst them- is this their skin thats molted?
Miss Lily
Chameleon Enthusiast
I have a pair of tweezers that I only use for the silkworms. When they are that size they always seem to spin some silk and attach everything to it including the food! I use a cocktail stick to hold the food down whilst transferring the worms to new food with the tweezers. Yes, it is tedious, but worth it when the chameleons enjoy eating them so much! Even more satisfying when they start spinning!
Sherlinwed
New Member
The less you touch them the better chance you have for them to grow. ALWAYS wash your hands before handling them and make sure your hands are fully dry. If they're growing, then it’s their skin
I only removed the poo when it was too much accumulation..Hope that helped
Miss Lily
Chameleon Enthusiast
Like already said, keep everything clean and don't touch them with your hands! They also don't like to sit in their own poop either! I keep mine in the tubs that livefood comes in and wedge a piece of plastic canvas in the tub so that the poop falls though. I use canvas with bigger holes for that larger ones.
shaunaroxanne
Avid Member
If you get some plastic canvas at the craft store that has small squares on it, you can lay that right on top of the old tray. Put the chow in strips on the new canvas. They will crawl up to the new, clean canvas, then just lift it off the old food. SO easy! There will be some stragglers, but most go right up.
This idea is genius. And it works. Thanks very much!
Miss Lily
Chameleon Enthusiast
That method is ok when they are the size that yours are, but when they first hatch they are so small and they can't move far enough to get to the food, so you have to place them on it!
d3s5
Avid Member
When they first hatch, I use a small artist's paintbrush to move them onto the chow. I lay the eggs in the petri dish in a long row and then put a strip of chow next to the row when they hatch. I usually don't have to move many - they will crawl a little ways to get to the food.
Deb
