Silkworm eggs

[Kate]

I seem to have about 700 eggs. I have cut the areas where they were layed on paper towel into squares and have put them into a airtight Rubbermaid tub and plan to put them into the fridge till I need them. My question is how long can I leave them there and should the tub be ventilated? What are the chances of them hatching and once out of fridge how long will it take to hatch?

 

[Eltortu]

You are doing fine, but I would place a small piece of humid paper towel and keep it moist for as long as you keep them in the fridge. A couple of holes in the Tupperware will not hurt. I have kept some for about 4-6 months and successfully hatched them later.

 

[Kate]

Oh good. Don't want them till after I've been on vacation. I will do that.

 

[pigglett79]

They can stay in the frig for several months. I have had some eggs take up to two months to hatch after taking them out.

 

[Kate]

They can stay in the frig for several months. I have had some eggs take up to two months to hatch after taking them out.

Thanks pigglett I think I'm all set to go.

 

[lysinlight87]

That's good to know, but my silkies are just starting to pupate, might give breeding them a go.

 

[pssh]

My kindergarden teacher once told me that she had some hatch after being in the fridge for almost two years (not very many obviously, but still, thats a long time!) Their hatch rate goes down the longer they are in the fridge but a period of time at least 3-4 weeks is beneficial for stimulating winter and breaking the diapause once taken out.

 

[Kate]

That's good to know, but my silkies are just starting to pupate, might give breeding them a go.

How many cocoons have you? It's very educational! I had 13 and 12 hatched. 7 of them were female. I haven't counted the eggs but each must have layed 100 eggs at least. Grand kids have loved it. Just hope Popeye likes home grown ones. Wasn't too keen on bought ones. LOL.

 

[lysinlight87]

How many cocoons have you? It's very educational! I had 13 and 12 hatched. 7 of them were female. I haven't counted the eggs but each must have layed 100 eggs at least. Grand kids have loved it. Just hope Popeye likes home grown ones. Wasn't too keen on bought ones. LOL.

I only have 1 at the moment, but I think the others are pretty close to spinning. I love caterpillars, I was always kept them when I was kid Silkworms are much nicer to deal with than crickets & locusts...which reminds me, there's an escaped adult locust the room with me somewhere