Blue Worms (Perionyx excavatus) Identification, Raising, Breeding and Composting

Do you know what blue worms (Perionyx excavatus) are? They are a beneficial composting worm that is easy to care for and can be used to break down organic matter. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about blue worms (also known as Indian blues), including how to identify them, how to raise them, how to breed them and how to use them for composting.

How can we identify Blue Worms?

Blue worms are a type of earthworm that is native to North America. They get their name from their blue-grey coloration, and they are typically 2-3 inches in length. Blue worms are commonly found in gardens, where they help to aerate the soil and improve drainage. They are also excellent composters, and their castings make an excellent fertilizer for plants. To identify a blue worm, look for a slender, cylindrical creature with smooth skin. The body should be pale blue-grey in color, and the underside should be white. Blue worms typically have four pairs of small, black spikes on their sides, which help them grip onto surfaces. If you find a worm that meets these criteria, it is likely a blue worm.

Blue Worms vs Red Wigglers

While blue worms and red wigglers are both excellent composters, there are some key differences between the two species. For one, red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are smaller than blue worms, typically only growing to be about an inch in length. They also have a reddish-brown coloration, whereas blue worms are pale blue-grey. Finally, red wigglers have only two pairs of black spikes on their sides, while blue worms have four. Despite these differences, both species make excellent composting partners.

Both types of worms have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right type for your needs. Blue worms are able to process more organic matter than red wigglers, making them ideal for large-scale composting operations. However, they are also more delicate and require more careful handling. Red wigglers, on the other hand, are hardier and can thrive in a wider range of conditions. They reproduce more quickly than blue worms, making them a good choice for smaller-scale composting projects. Ultimately, the best type of worm for your needs will depend on the size and scope of your composting operation.

Do you already have everything in place for composting?

Blue Worms Composting

If you’re interested in starting a composting operation, blue worms are a great choice. These helpful critters can process large amounts of organic matter, making them ideal for large-scale operations. However, they are also more delicate than other types of worms and require more careful handling. Here’s what you need to know about blue worm composting.

To start, you’ll need to purchase some blue worms. You can find these for sale at many garden centers and online retailers. Once you have your worms, you’ll need to set up a bin for them to live in. A simple plastic storage bin will work fine. Just drill some holes in the sides and bottom for drainage and aeration.

Fill your bin with a mix of equal parts peat moss, coco coir, and vermiculite. You can also add some shredded newspaper or cardboard for extra carbon. Moisten the mixture until it is damp but not soggy, and then add your worms.

To keep your worms healthy, you’ll need to feed them a variety of organic materials. This can include things like fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid feeding them meat or dairy products, as these can spoil quickly and attract pests.

As your worms eat their way through the food scraps, they will produce castings that are rich in nutrients. These can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants. Just be sure to compost the castings before using them, as they may contain harmful bacteria otherwise.

With a little care and attention, you can easily raise your own blue worms at home. Not only are they a great way to reduce your food waste, but they can also provide you with some free fertilizer for your plants.

Raising And Breeding Blue Worms For Profit

There are many types of worms that can be raised and bred for profit, but few offer as much potential as the blue worm. Blue worms are native to tropical regions and are prized for their hardiness and ability to thrive in a wide range of climates. They are also highly prolific, with a single female able to produce hundreds of offspring per year. Furthermore, blue worms are in high demand by both the fishing industry and composters, making them an exceptionally valuable commodity. For anyone looking to get into the worm-breeding business, the blue worm is an excellent choice. With a little care and attention, it is possible to raise healthy, productive colonies that will provide a steady income for years to come.

While you can certainly raise blue worms for your own personal use, there is also the potential to breed them for profit. The worms can be sold to fishing bait shops, as they are a popular type of bait for anglers. They can also be sold to gardeners or farmers, as their castings make an excellent natural fertilizer. If you live in an area with a lot of horse farms, you may even be able to sell the worms as food for the horses.

Blue worms can be raised in both indoor and outdoor systems. However, if you live in an area with cold winters, it’s best to raise them indoors so that they don’t freeze.

With a little bit of research, you can easily find a market for your blue worms. If you have the space and the time, breeding and selling them can be a great way to earn some extra income. Who knows, you might even be able to turn it into a full-time business!

Feeding & Сare

As with any pet, blue worms need to be properly cared for in order to stay healthy and thrive. They are relatively easy to take care of, however, and only require a few simple things.

First and foremost, blue worms need a food source. They are detritivores, which means they eat dead and decaying organic matter. A good diet for them includes things like leaves, grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and egg shells. You can either grow your own food for them or buy it from a local grocery store or farmers’ market.

In addition to food, blue worms also need a place to live. A worm bin is a perfect home for them. Worm bins can be made out of a variety of materials, but plastic and wood are the most common. The bin should be large enough to accommodate the number of worms you have, and it should have holes in the bottom for drainage.

Finally, blue worms need moisture. Their bodies are about 80% water, so they require a constant supply of it. The best way to provide moisture is to keep the worm bin moist with a spray bottle or by adding water to it on a regular basis.

Feeding Tips

1. Blue worms are voracious eaters and can eat their weight in food every day. A good rule of thumb is to add about ½ pound of food per week for every pound of worms you have.
2. You can either feed them once a week or break it up into smaller feedings throughout the week. If you choose to do smaller feedings, make sure that the food is fully composted before adding more.
3. If you start to notice that the worms are not eating all the food you’re giving them, then cut back on the amount of food until they catch up.
4. Overfeeding can lead to problems such as anaerobic conditions, fruit flies, and bad smells.
5. Composting blue worms will also help to aerate the compost pile and speed up the decomposition process.
6. Worms are attracted to food sources by smell, so it’s important to bury the food under at least a couple of inches of bedding.
7. If you’re having trouble getting your worms to eat, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure that you’re not overfeeding them. Second, chop up the food into smaller pieces so that they can more easily find and consume it. Finally, add some worm castings to the food as this will attract them.

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