Help with breeding Silkworms and Hornedworms.

[Kenny C]

So I ordered silkworm eggs from coasalsilkworms, I didn't realize that they would all come hatched or near hatching. But I am comsidering trying my hand in breeding them I have my Veiled and I am getting some bearded dragons so I would like to have them on hand. Is there anything I should know or do before this attempt? I already purchased all food and I have a small set up for there housing.

As far is the second part of my question I really dont have a setup for the hornedworms but I would like to add them as a staple in his diet. My only issue is they are not cheap by me they come out to almost 2 dollors a worm.
Is there anyway I could make a setup to breed my own?

 

[pigglett79]

Check out my multi part blogs in my signature. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Andee]

I buy hornworm eggs off of great lake hornworms, much cheaper that way. They grow far too fast to be sold as already hatched worms and are far too expensive that way. For hornworms from what I understand they need soil to pupate and the adults need a hummingbird feeder. They don't seem that easy to raise in my opinion. They also can't be fed tomatoes as it makes them toxic but will only lay eggs on tomato leaves so I think.

For the silkworms I would get my hands on some mulberry trees or dwarf ones if you could, because you will be buying an awful lot of chow and it won't make much sense to raise them otherwise, at least in my opinion. There are several beginning dwarfs for sale on ebay if they are still there. I have one it's starting to grow quite well. Check out the blogs that have been made on growing these two species.

 

[Kenny C]

I buy hornworm eggs off of great lake hornworms, much cheaper that way. They grow far too fast to be sold as already hatched worms and are far too expensive that way. For hornworms from what I understand they need soil to pupate and the adults need a hummingbird feeder. They don't seem that easy to raise in my opinion. They also can't be fed tomatoes as it makes them toxic but will only lay eggs on tomato leaves so I think.

For the silkworms I would get my hands on some mulberry trees or dwarf ones if you could, because you will be buying an awful lot of chow and it won't make much sense to raise them otherwise, at least in my opinion. There are several beginning dwarfs for sale on ebay if they are still there. I have one it's starting to grow quite well. Check out the blogs that have been made on growing these two species.

Yeah I picked up a mulberry tree already and have some food coming in

 

[Andee]

Yay for thinking ahead ^^ I love mulberry fruit anyway if you get the right kind at least. It can often replace most berries in recipes.

 

[Kenny C]

Yeah I got a really good deal on it. Quick question I was told that I can sub Rhapsite reptile burger for the hornedworm food is this true?

 

[Andee]

Not sure but I doubt it, I know you can substitute silkworm chow for hornworm chow though, kinda worth it too due to the horrible smell that the hornworm chow has.

 

[ridgebax1]

Neither of them smell too yummy!

 

[Kiwiflage]

Piggletts blog is the best. I just had some moths lay eggs. The moths are so cute

 

[javsto]

Yeah I got a really good deal on it. Quick question I was told that I can sub Rhapsite reptile burger for the hornedworm food is this true?

I buy hornworms container from a local dealer in long island for $15 and that contains about 2 dozen worms and if I don't manage to feed them all to my adult veiled cham by the time they eat all of the chow that comes with the container, I feed them any left over Repashy Bug Burger that I use to gut load my crickets and the worms eat it up quick, they love it more than the crickets do.

 

[Kenny C]

I buy hornworms container from a local dealer in long island for $15 and that contains about 2 dozen worms and if I don't manage to feed them all to my adult veiled cham by the time they eat all of the chow that comes with the container, I feed them any left over Repashy Bug Burger that I use to gut load my crickets and the worms eat it up quick, they love it more than the crickets do.

What store on the island? My brother works out there I can send him to pick them up for me! The place that I go its 22 for 20 sometimes less.

 

[pigglett79]

I have tried to feed horn worms the silk worm food, and they did not like it. You can feed horn worms greens, squash etc, basically many veggies and they do just fine. I always feed the newly hatched hornworms the chow, but as they get a little bigger they will readily eat greens and other veggies.

Buying eggs can be more affordable and easy.

I find breeding them to be easy, but you have to be patient and set things up properly.

Once they approach the size you want, you should start putting them in the refrigerator for a day at a time or nightly, then let them out daily and this will slow their growth.

Breeding silks on the other hand can be tricky and frustrating.

Good luck.

 

[Kenny C]

I have tried to feed horn worms the silk worm food, and they did not like it. You can feed horn worms greens, squash etc, basically many veggies and they do just fine. I always feed the newly hatched hornworms the chow, but as they get a little bigger they will readily eat greens and other veggies.

Buying eggs can be more affordable and easy.

I find breeding them to be easy, but you have to be patient and set things up properly.

Once they approach the size you want, you should start putting them in the refrigerator for a day at a time or nightly, then let them out daily and this will slow their growth.

Breeding silks on the other hand can be tricky and frustrating.

Good luck.

Well it turns out that I got my shipments in today so I am going to try the Silkworms but after this post I think I will go with Hornedworms instead. Thank you again for your help!