With those dark rings around them, sound like red wigglers to me. Maybe European night crawlers (ENC), but in either case those are composting worms. Try to post some photos with something in the frame for scale in case I'm jumping-the-gun on positive I.D.

Harry

Harry thank you. Colin and I just went out to do a picture for you. But I have to say it is not one of the bigger ones just got the 1st one I saw . All so the picture is a bit on the pink side as we tryd to stay out of the sun for the worm.

Aw, he/she is cute! Looks a lot like a red wiggler to me! The red stripes are characteristic of red wigglers, though they look clearer on some individuals than on others. And that's about the right size, they don't get much bigger than the one in the picture, and the young ones are pretty small.

I think you've found a source...if your husband goes back regularly to turn and water that compost pile and add scraps, he should be able to keep finding more.

Hazel, is that the same worm in both pictures because if it is, I think you've got a red worm there? In the top picture it is a little harder to tell - the stripes are not so obvious but sometimes a bit difficult to see until the worm stretches out a bit like in the lower photo.

Like parsley said, keep you neighbours pile moist and you'll probably find more wigglers. In fact if you're able to do so I would add something like melon rinds, cucumber etc. buried in the pile 'cause that will attract them to that particular location in the pile. Mark that spot with a string or something so you know exactly where to look. You'll have to be quick though since they can move pretty fast once they're disturbed.

Harry

Whether or not they're redworms, it won't hurt to add them to your bins or tubs. You might want to wait until more show up, but if you find them in compost, chances are they are some kind of compost worm.

If you find them in compost, I think they're compost worms by definition! But also, they're smallish worms and dark colored, which means they are certainly epigeic (surface litter dwelling) worms. So regardless of the exact species, they are the right worms for the job!

it is the same worm in both pictures. yayy Colin found wigglers. Thank you for all you comments and helping me to identify it looking online didn't help as they all looked so similar.

we will keep an eye on the compost pile while Pete (the owner of the house) is in the UK. we will gather what we can. then the pile is up to Pete.

Thanks all.

i for got to say when i posted a picture of the pots. the cream thing hanging from the pots are 3 old fashioned weights from a knitting machine there are 3 holding the pot down a 2 lolly sticks for extra airflow around the joining area. the picture hasn't gone through yet so this might be a bit confusing. i cant use my lap top for pictures (Cox account) so have to use my phone for sending pictures (Blair account)

The few worms seem to be doing very well a saw two pears yesterday matting so they seem to like it. I will end up making another box for these ones.

That is a very good idea using large pots. I have lots of those empty sitting in the back yard.

I would not rush too much at splitting them. I think it might work better to let them get established in one spot, in numbers, before trying to colonize a new one.

11otis. if you have the sorcerer's for the pots it might be easier to put them on the top. my sorcerer was too small.

i noticed flies in the pots twice so today i decided to toss the pot out and see if there was any maggots in the so gloves on and tweezers just in case (there is NO WAY i will pick up a maggot) and started to sort out the pot handful by handful . no maggots but i did find about 40ish cocoons i was well chuffed. i have kept them separate just incase i still have the fly problem and want to toss the pot. plus Louie and i want to watch their progress. i am wishing i had taken a photo of the eggs but untill now. i didn't give it a thought. when they hatch i will take a snap of them. i did notice the cocoons are varying in colour all in the orange range some darker than others. i am interested to see how the get on.

The darkest ones are probably almost ready to make baby worms! When they're brand new they're a light yellow.

tipytoes: yes i have lots of saucers of different sizes and plan to put it turned over as cover. Using some spacers to let air through.

11otis...i am hoping to get one myself tomorrow while i am out. it is not a problum using anuther pot on the to but hay.....anuther pot is anuther worm house.

I picked up a saucer to day and drilled holes in it. I put a bit of net over the pot top then the saucer. Job done.

the cocoons i sorted out seem to be doing fine most are dark now but a few very tiny worms. i am glad i kept them separate so i can see the process. the few worms i have in the pot are also doing well and look quite chunky. it seems they like banana and potato peel.

Banana peels are always popular, as are melon rinds and mango peels. Mango pits are fun too: after a while, they tend to start sprouting, and the cotyledons are GIANT.

i bet that is a good sight to see. i might try putting an avocado pit in and see what happens. a lot of people let there tomatos seed and then transplant them out.

Maybe? Can't tell without more information, i.e., where did this material come from, and do you have enough worms yet to poop this much?

there is about 30 worms of adult size and lots of little ones and lots of cocoons there bedding is paper toilet roll tubes cut up and cardboard with a little bit of compost mixed in when all the paper etc had been damped down. then food on top and coverd with paper.

Most of those particles look too big to be purely worm castings IMO. The ones I get in my bins are much smaller and thinner - kind of pointed on each end. Look on the sides-walls or wherever in the bin for tiny bits of material that are left behind where the worms do a little exploring in your bin..........those are worm castings.

well at least i had fun playing in the dirt for a little while lol lol and it kept me out of trouble for an hour or so lol

Is there any vermiculite in your worm bins? That's what the stuff in your hand looks a lot like to me. Probably just me though.

i was hoping it might be. air on the side of caution and will leave it a bit longer.