There are a few disadvantages that I can see:

Unless it states it on the package, you don't know what species of worm you really have. You could have a species that isn't a litter dweller but rather one that lives in deeper soil and may not survive in a bin environment. I would guess that the ones in petsmart are E. fetida(foetida) or Lumbricus rubellus, but I don't know. I doubt they will know.

Second, it may be cost prohibitive. I don't know the qty you would be getting, 50 or 100? I can get 50 redworms at a bait shop for 2.50 to get a 1000 (1 pound) would require $40 to $50 for 20 containers. I don't know about viability of the worms at the store either.

I got a pound of worms from a local supplier in my region for 21.95 plus 5 shipping. I could have gotten them cheaper at another location but it was a few states over and I wasn't sure the worms could handle a few extra days in the postal system.

Some worm farms offer free shipping and guarantee the worms also.

If you knew the species were E. Fetida or a species that could tolerate the bin environment you could try it, but I would start small, say a couple 100 worms and get the population up to handle your waste average. You would have to feed them a little bit. A thousand worms, roughly a pound can handle a pound of food every two day in optimal conditions.

They'll get the population up to match the food if they are the E. Fetida species. I don't know about the other species.

I just don't want you to get discouraged if the worms at petsmart don't work out.

I'm certain you could check with a local nursery, farm, or organic store to find local areas that sell worms.

The only ones I know of on the web in your region are
Happy D Ranch in CA

And Top Line, in NM

I googled and found a cached site with resources by state.

Note: I am in no way affiliated with any of these businesses. I was just trying to be helpful

Sorry for the lengthy post.

Charles

Here is a link that might be useful: google cache results of worm resources by state

You could use those worms, most likely...Or..You could order from Bob Ingram, Trinity Ranch (MO). He will give you a fair deal and is happy to help. HappyDRanch,(CA), is a good place also. Dorothy Benoy is good to work with.
I think that the best way to start is with the most worms you can get. IMHO..If you have to spend money..spend it on worms.

I got my worms from Acme Worm Farm for $25 a pound including shipping. They're in Tucson, AZ. I didn't have any problems with the worms. Maybe you can find something local.

Here is a link that might be useful: Acme Worm Farm

Here are some Texas worm suppliers:

Dirty Dozen Worm Farm
Elkhart, Texas 75839

Early Bird Worm Co.
Pilot Point (Dallas), Texas 76258

Texas Wild West Wigglers (Red that is)
Wichita Falls, Texas 76305

Amarillo Worm Farm

Down To Earth Farm
Gatesville, TX 76528

www.hallswormery.com
Blackwell Texas 79506-3016

If any of them are near you check out this link. It's got lots of info.

Here is a link that might be useful: Worm Suppliers

I can personally recommend Hall's Wormery. That's who I got mine from and they're doing absolutely great and were in fantastic shape when they arrived. Took to my bin like they were meant to be there.

Well I bought one container of worms from PetsMart...just gonna see how it goes...they were labelled red wigglers on the shelf and red worms on the container...if all goes well ill go ahead and get 1 lb later on

I guess this is an update for all who will hear....the worms are going at it like gangbusters...its a small population but they buzzed thru some celery in like two days and have started nibbling on cucumber peelings....oh yeah and i got tiny worms too...they look so cute...Strangely enough i put this banana peel in the bin about two weeks ago....and theyre still digesting it..like theyre savoring it or somethin

check it out!...i froze then thawed some celery then put it in my bin...two days later..voila'

{{gwi:1342576}}

My son and I are just about to start our worm farm and would love advice. We plan to go to WindSwept worm farm tomorrow to pick up our lb of worms for $15.00 (Pretty good deal from what I'm reading here.) I've read enough on the internet to know these creatures are worth their wait in organic fert. gold! :)

Dave Wilson

Worms don't like bananas. Too bitter and acidic. They will eat it after a while but they will eat the other stuff first.

Anyone know of suppliers in Houston? I'm not having any luck.