Just out of curiosity

[Nosybe]

Who actually breeds their own silkworms or hornworms. It seems to be a lot of work for a small yield, but I have never tried it so...

 

[sandrachameleon]

Im raising silkworms. Its not too hard, quite cost effective, and only a little time consuming. Best thing is that Im not reliant on bug supplies, postal service, etc. Also I like that I can always have a range of sizes, which is important to me since Im using them for more than just adult chameleons.

 

[smpliprfct]

i have purchased silkworms from mulberry farms twice and both times have been able to get some to cocoon, hatch and mate. As long as you have the chow they need in good supply it's pretty easy. I do take some precautions by wearing surgical gloves when i work with em, they are prone to get bacteria and die off pretty fast in big numbers.

The below post has everything you need to know on silkie care!

https://www.chameleonforums.com/silkworms-101-a-7906/

 

[Nosybe]

Thanks for replying. I am going to get some silkworms and eggs and will try to breed the extras. The only problem is my mulberry tree has dropped all it's leaves so I need to buy expensive chow.

 

[chameleon97]

Thanks for replying. I am going to get some silkworms and eggs and will try to breed the extras. The only problem is my mulberry tree has dropped all it's leaves so I need to buy expensive chow.

It is expensive! Especially when you buy 100 silks, they all die, and you have a pound left!!! Waste of money! xD

 

[CNorton]

It is expensive! Especially when you buy 100 silks, they all die, and you have a pound left!!! Waste of money! xD

Ahem, did you read smpliprfct's post above about wearing gloves? That's to keep them from dying so easily. It's either that or a really thorough scrubbing with antibacterial soap before handling the silkworms. I bet you'll save a ton of money and stop all the silk-death by just wearing gloves!

 

[sandrachameleon]

I never wear gloves to handle them. They really arent all that delicate.

 

[chameleon97]

I used a generous amount of sanitizer, but i'll probably never buy them again (or at least for a while!)

-Steve

 

[sandrachameleon]

Feel free to ship me your extra unwanted chow powder chameleon97 Maybe I can trade it with you for something you'd rather have?

 

[chameleon97]

Feel free to ship me your extra unwanted chow powder chameleon97 Maybe I can trade it with you for something you'd rather have?

Hmmm.... I'll think about it. As long as shipping isnt too much.

I'll take 3.0 Nosy Be's and 26.0 Transleucent Veileds.... JK.

-Steve

EDIT: And an Oustelet's

 

[Nosybe]

Hmmm.... I'll think about it. As long as shipping isnt too much.

I'll take 3.0 Nosy Be's and 26.0 Transleucent Veileds.... JK.

-Steve

EDIT: And an Oustelet's

That was a good deal up until the Oustelet's