Red Worms

Vermicomposting was a way for us to take our traditional composting one step further and between the 2 types of composting we have pratically zero waste here on our farm.

All livestock manure, bedding and most outdoor waste is put through our outdoor compost pile allowed to go through the heat cycle, then added to the worm beds along with the other feedstock such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells. Basically all household waste that is or was organic.

Worm composting is an excellent method for recycling any organic matter such food waste, livestock manure, lawn clippings and more into a rich, dark, earthy-smelling soil amendment.

Worm composting can be done indoors and outdoors, allowing for year round composting. Even if you happen to live in an apartment you can still easily compost. The worms and micro-organisms will convert your organic waste into rich compost.

We use the worm castings on our garden, alfalfa field and lawn. Having soil that has been replenished with the nutrients that have been depleted after years of misuse and or chemical fertilizers will provide you with the best tasting most nutritious fruits and vegetables you have ever tasted.

In addition to improving the soil with the castings, Redworms are an excellent fishbait and also used as a high protein food for birds, fish, turtles, snakes, lizards and more.

We raise the following 2 types of worms:

Redworms

(Eisenia foetida)

Redworms also called Red Wigglers, Red Worms, Red Wiggler Earthworms, Manure Worms, Red Wiggler Worms, Trout Worms, Compost Worms, Tiger Worms.  These very popular and versatile earthworms have been both the composting worm of choice and the fishbait of many very satisfied fisherman.

Redworms live in the top few inches of the the bins or containers they are raised in. Redworms feed on decaying organic matter such food waste, livestock manure, lawn clippings leaving behind a rich, dark, earthy-smelling soil amendment.

Redworms are hardy and adaptable to many environments. Redworms have been eating organic waste making natural fertilizer for millions of years. The demand for Redworms is increasing dramatically to recycle food scraps and organic waste.  Redworms usually consume half their weight in organic matter a day.  Leaving behind castings, a high quality complete natural fertilizer.

Redworms are prolific breeders. They can lay 2 to 5 cocoons per week with good conditions. Commonly 2 to 3 worms hatch from each cocoon. Typical hatch time is about 45 days and take about 6 -12 weeks for worms to go from hatchling to adult breeder.  We find they multiply in far greater numbers and with more speed than any other earthworms. Raising and caring for Redworms is not difficult.

Redworms are easy to use as bait, easily surviving in temperatures between 40 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Redworms are very active on the hook, and last longer under water than most other earthworms.  Another advantage is that Redworms are not as sensitive to temperature as common nightcrawlers. Common nightcrawlers need to be kept cool to survive.

Redworms make an excellent high protein food for birds, fish, turtles, snakes, lizards and more.

Overall Redworms are the most useful, rapidly producing, easy to care for earthworms you can grow or buy.

When ordering Bed Run there is approximately 800 - 1000 Redworms in a pound in various sizes from hatchlings to adults.

European Nightcrawlers

(Eisenia Hortensis)

European Nightcrawlers, also know as Giant Redworms, Super Reds, Belgium Nightcrawlers and Belgium Worms, were introduced into the United States from Europe in the late 1990’s. European Nightcrawlers are one of the premier fishing worms on the market today.  They are tough hided and long lived on the hook.  European Nightcrawlers grow three to six inches long.

European Nightcrawlers make great composting worms for those who wish to grow a larger sized worm. Much bigger than their smaller cousin the Redworm, European Nightcrawlers may be grown in the same manner as Redworms. Besides their size, the main difference between Redworms and European Nightcrawlers for composting is that European Nightcrawlers do not breed as quickly nor eat as much as Redworms. Kept reasonably warm and well fed, adult European Nightcrawlers will produce about one egg capsules per week. It may takes from 12 to 24 weeks to go from hatching to maturity. Feed, space, temperature and moisture all affect how long it takes to reach maturity.

European Nightcrawlers make an excellent high protein food for birds, fish, turtles, snakes, lizards and more.

For fisherman looking for the perfect bait worm, the European Nightcrawler may well be your answer.  The European Nightcrawler makes an excellent bait worm for all types of fish. Can be kept at temperatures between 40 degrees to 80 degrees, European Nightcrawlers will live from three to six weeks in a bait cup. More heat tolerant than the common nightcrawler, they are also more cold tolerant than many other types of earthworms. European Nightcrawlers also prefers higher moisture than most types of earthworms.

European Nightcrawlers are tough. The only earthworm suitable for bait in brackish salt water, European Nightcrawlers will stay active on the hook even after thirty minutes in freezing or salty water. If you fish and haven’t tried European Nightcrawlers, you don’t know what you are missing.

Do not expect worms that look like Canadian Nightcrawlers.  European Nightcrawlers will not grow as big as the Canadian Nightcrawlers,  but can get up to 3" - 6" long with the proper feeding and care.

When ordering Bed Run there is approximately 300 - 500 European Nightcrawlers in a pound in various sizes from hatchlings to adults.


When we have worms available they can be purchased in our Online Store.

You may also pickup your order at the farm. Appointments are REQUIRED! To schedule an appointment we can be reached by email, or by phone at (712)898-2866.