Silkworm....heat pack?

[crocky]

I am going to order some silks next week and they ask if I want to use a heat pack. Do these guys need it during shipment. Temps at night sometimes drop to around 30 and 45-50-60 during the day. My gut tells me yes since you cannot refrigerate them but wanted it be sure. Did not want the heat pack to muck them up either.

 

[pigglett79]

I would go with the heat pack. If it gets too cold they will die.

 

[pssh]

I would tell them about your temps and ask what their opinion is. I have had worms turn to mush because the heat pack got too warm but I have also had worms die because it was too cold. That is the problem with heat packs, shipping, and silks. The worms are sensitive, but the heat packs can get really, really hot (some can get to 120+ degrees and that is bad, especially in small boxes,) but the outside temps can cause issues too. I would really just rely on what they say after you tell them the temperatures (high and low) in your area for the days in transit.

Also check to see if they offer a guarantee for DOAs (dead on arrival.)

 

[pigglett79]

I would tell them about your temps and ask what their opinion is. I have had worms turn to mush because the heat pack got too warm but I have also had worms die because it was too cold. That is the problem with heat packs, shipping, and silks. The worms are sensitive, but the heat packs can get really, really hot (some can get to 120+ degrees and that is bad, especially in small boxes,) but the outside temps can cause issues too. I would really just rely on what they say after you tell them the temperatures (high and low) in your area for the days in transit.

Also check to see if they offer a guarantee for DOAs (dead on arrival.)

Yeah good call, if they dont put enough insulation between the heat pack and the worms that could be an issue as well.

 

[Kate]

Im in uk and our temps are low compared to yours. I have had shipments of silkies without heat packs with no problems.

 

[crocky]

They suggested heat packs....hmmm

 

[nick barta]

Silk shipping

Coastal Silk Worms does the best job in shipping silks, order from the East Coast location, and they will ship from Florida. Make sure you order food (silk chow), or they will die quickly. If they have them, order worms 1 inch and up for less die-offs. I have had more success grating food on top of the silks with a fine grater than chunks. Not the brightest worms when it comes to finding food!

 

[crocky]

Thanks, I was going to order the habitat cups