Common Name(s): Silkworm

Size: 12mm (Small) 25mm (Medium) 50mm (Large)

Description: Silkworms are commonly used as feeder insects and for education in various schools. A large soft bodied insect that has great nutritional value, it is no wonder why most pets accept them without hesitation.

A full grown silkworm can reach over 85mm in size. With a white colour that helps attract pets and high protein value they have become a popular pick with many larger animals. Silkworms can be fed to smaller animals as well, making them ideal for all kinds of pets.

Keeping a silkworm in a warm and humid place with plenty of food is the key to their survival. Silkworms should be allowed to feed constantly for maximum growth rates. Our silkworms are sent out with a small amount of food that should last them through shipping. Silkworm chow is easily prepared and fed, allowing you to grow the worms to any size you wish.

Our silkworms are sent with a minimum size of 12mm, and anywhere up to around 25mm. If you would prefer larger or smaller worms please just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. Additional fees will be charged for larger silkworms.

To prepare our silkworm chow mix 1/2lb of chow with 3 cups of hot tap water. Mix the powder and water completely before placing plastic wrap over the top of the container. Microwave on high for several minutes until the mix begins to boil, then remove and stir it up to allow for uniform consistency. Cover the mix back up and microwave for approximately another two minutes or until it begins to boil again. Press the plastic wrap down gently to cover top of the chow to prevent excess condensation and to keep the chow sterile. Let the mix cool, then place a lid on it and keep it in the fridge. Remove and cut small pieces to feed to the silkworms as needed. You may wish to use a cheese grater. Do not handle the cooked chow unless you have washed your hands thoroughly, as silkworms are sensitive to bacterial problems. Dispose of any mouldy food immediately. Mouldy food has been linked to many problems and deaths in otherwise healthy animals. Cooked food can be kept in the fridge for one month or more if air tight. Powder can be kept for about 6 months if kept in a cool dark place, or longer in a refrigerator.

To grow silkworms from eggs place the container in a warm place. Within two weeks the eggs should begin hatching. Wait until most of the eggs have hatched, provide them with several small pieces of food to eat and leave them in a warm place for two days. After two days remove the lid and place the container into a larger bin, such as a plastic shoe box. Feed the worms daily with finely grated chow placed overtop of the worms. The worms will then climb to the top of the food for feeding, allowing all waste to fall to the bottom to help prevent the need for cleaning. Before each feeding open the bin and let all remaining chow dry out. This helps prevent mould and bacteria. Do not touch the worms until they are at least 5mm in length, as they are very fragile at this stage. Once they reach 10mm you can perform cleanings every few days. If you keep letting the old food dry prior to the next feeding cleaning should not be required until the worms begin reaching 25mm or more. Ensure moisture does not build up near small worms as they can easily drown in water droplets shortly after hatching.

Additional Comments: Silkworms are a popular option due to their size, colour, and ease of growing. Reaching full size in as little as 28 days out of the egg, it is no wonder they are so popular. Why feed two dozen crickets when one or two silkworms can fill your animal up? In addition, they have a great nutritional value and a taste your pet is sure to love. Please note that silkworms should still be dusted with calcium and vitamins as per your veterinarian's recommendations.

Silkworms reach full size quite quickly. Feeding them less and keeping them cooler will slow their growth to help provide you with a constant supply of worms over several days. Breeding them can be accomplished but is not recommend. If you wish to start a culture at home please visit one of the sites that will give you details how to do it.

*All sizes and shelf lives are approximate.

Prices: (Large 50mm, Medium 25mm, Small 12mm, approx. 2", 1", and 1/2")