Software
Houzz Logo Print
jolj

why are my redworms turning GRAY

17 years ago

I think they are sick, please help.

Comments (9)

  • 17 years ago

    I'm not sure if I can help, but we would need more information. How long have you had the bin; when did you notice any change; why do you think they are sick; what have you been feeding; is the bin too wet or too dry; and anything else you think is pertinent.
    Kath

  • 17 years ago

    my 1st thought would be too wet

  • 17 years ago

    ONLY A FEW TURN GRAY. I HAVE HAD THEM FOR 14MONTH, THE OTHER ARE FINE & RED. A FEW TURNED GRAY, NO REASON THAT I CAN SEE.
    THANKS

  • 17 years ago

    you're probably YELLING at them too much.

  • 17 years ago

    Sorry, Know really I am sorry
    I have been on sites for about 4 months.
    I keep forgeting that the Caps Lock is on.
    My wife told me ALL caps mean I am YELLING, but I forget.
    I am learning(it just takes some of us longer then other).
    The hunt & pick does not help.
    I will try to remember, thank you for yelling back. Oh I do not know what to tell you about the worms. they are happy, even the few Gray ones. If I find out why I will Let you Know.

  • 17 years ago

    One possibility is that at some point you have somehow got some egg casings from a common earthworm species such as Lubricus terrestris mixed into your bin environment - did you put any garden compost or soil into your bin at any stage?

    Here is a link that might be useful: Earthworm versus Redworm

  • 17 years ago

    Could they be pot worms?

  • 17 years ago

    Pot worms tend to be long, thin and more white than gray. If only a few are gray I want to say don't worry, even if you lost a few, once you really get going they reproduce so quickly that you will eventually not care (some people care about each worm but I'm speaking in general terms).

    I use a stacking bin system and at first was really careful not to squish any when looking through the trays and putting them down so I could poke through the tray below. Now I am somewhat careful but there are so many and they reproduce so quickly that a squished worm now and then doesn't phase me. I don't go squishing them on purpose but sometimes you can't help it. As Spock says, "The good of the many outweighs the good of the few ..."

  • 16 years ago

    I have at least four(4) different species of worms living together. I only bought "Red Wigglers".
    Maybe the gray worms are a different type of worm and they share the space with the worms you bought.
    By the way, I think a "mix" of worms actually do a better job of composting because each type of worm has different tastes and talents. They also have different needs but they are all proven survivors.
    Good Luck with them worms!

Sponsored
Peabody Landscape Group
Average rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars8 Reviews
Columbus' Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting