Questions on silkworm cocooning

[Whatcamo]

Ok so I have these questions about silkworms cocooning as I have one that has started
1) when do you know when they are ready to spin
(I have 20+ that the vein has been pulsing for 5+ days and they're not spinning yet?)
2) what to do with them when they are ready to spin?
(I have placed toilet paper rolls in with them already)
3) how long to let them cocoon before removing the cocoons?
4) what's the best temp to keep the cocoons at?
5) how long do they stay in cocoon stage before they emerge?
Also any other tips for the cocooning stage would be very appreciated thanks!

 

[Dave]

1) Silkworms are ready to cocoon when the vein starts pulsing, and will start cocooning when they find a suitable place.
2) When they're ready to spin, using a checkered cardboard insert that looks like a tic-tac-toe board works good. What you're trying to do is give the silkworm a little cubby hole. They'll spin in pretty much any indentation.
3) After they finish cocooning, you're all set really. Just don't disturb them while they are cocooning.
4) Keeping at 70 degrees is sufficient, but they're very hardy as they're made to cocoon at the beginning of winter and hatch when it gets warmer.
5) 10-14 days after cocooning.

 

[Whatcamo]

Hey thanks for the reply so if the vein is pulsing should I remove them from their food and place them in the toilet paper rolls?

 

[Dave]

I would, yes.

 

[Whatcamo]

Ok thanks a lot I'll do it and see what happens

 

[Miss Lily]

To make cubby holes for mine to spin in I have cut lengthways down a toilet roll tube, then cut each half widthways and then taped the pieces up to make 8 tiny tubes! Now I just need them to start spinning - most of the largest ones have the pulse thing going on!

 

[Whatcamo]

I dont think my biggest ones would fit in something that size to spin lol they barely fit into a toilet paper roll unaltered
That is a very good idea though thanks

 

[Miss Lily]

Blimey! They must be huuuuge!

 

[Whatcamo]

Some more than 3 inches long and as big around as my thumb!

 

[Miss Lily]

I've never had any silkworms get THAT big, lol! I have had some cocoon before though, but this latest lot are looking bigger than I remember!

 

[Whatcamo]

Yeah if the get any bigger they're going to eat me out of chow and home haha!

 

[kirky48]

I've never had any silkworms get THAT big, lol! I have had some cocoon before though, but this latest lot are looking bigger than I remember!

I know this is a long time after post I have silkworms cocooning at 3 inches i also have a few that are the same age but are about 1 1/2 inc and they are trying to cocoon too why??