Red California worm (family)

Description of the California Worm

The red earthworm was bred by an American breeder in order to obtain organic fertilizers and further breeding in artificial conditions. Today, the California worm is considered the most versatile in terms of characteristics and economically attractive for agribusiness.

The main reason why the Californian worm is in demand among gardeners, large farmers and vermi farmers – the ability to reproduce perfectly and produce fertilizer in captivity, i.e. in artificially created conditions.

Appearance:

• The body color is dark red with purple-pearl tones.
• The shape of the body is elongated cylindrical. Length 6-9 cm, thickness 3-5 mm. The abdomen is flattened. Each segment of the body of the worm has 2 bristles on each side.
• Adult weight up to 1 g.
• Body temperature 19-20°C.

Reproduction of California worms

The life span of the red Californian worm – about 16 years old. Every 7 days  cross-fertilization of two worms occurs. As a result, two eggs or capsules are formed, which ripen and open on 14-21 days. Each cocoon contains up to 20 worms.

California worm is afraid of the cold – below 0°C and heat – above 40°C, falls into anabiosis and ceases to process organic matter and multiply. Therefore, the main concern of the vermifarmer — maintaining the optimal bed temperature within 19-20 °C.

Benefits of breeding California worms

1. Lifespan and reproduction

On average, the red worm lives up to 16 years, which is 4 times the life span of a wild earthworm. In addition, the Californian worm is very prolific, throughout its life it produces no less prolific offspring. Two individuals of an earthworm can produce up to 1500 young worms per year.

2. No smell

You will not notice any unpleasant smell from the worms living in vermicomposters and their waste products. Biohumus itself has a pleasant aroma of fresh earth. Moreover, you will forget about the smell of rotting organic waste (for example, potato skins), which you will give to worms for processing.

3. Favorable breeding

In 2 months, 800 Californian worms can prepare 42 liters of biohumus from organic waste. In terms of the cost of finished vermicompost, the retail price of which is 35-40 rubles. per liter, keeping worms is more profitable than buying ready-made fertilizer.

For the owner of a small garden plot, it is enough to purchase a mini-vermicomposter with a family of worms. This will allow you to get vermicompost all year round in an amount sufficient to feed garden and indoor plants.

4. Vermefarm – as a profitable business

Acquisition and breeding of worm families can start a profitable vermi business on processed products and selling offspring.

Even now, the owners of large vermifarms receive about 5,000 liters of biohumus per day. Even with the minimum wholesale price, their daily income from the sale of this fertilizer is from 50,000 rubles. rubles. In parallel, the sale of vermicha, adult worms, their eggs, etc. is organized.

Where can I buy California worms?

The VASKhNiL nursery offers to buy a Californian worm  for garden needs and small businesses. Minimum purchase –  from 1 family.

Also on sale – vermicomposters and everything you need to successfully keep and breed worms in an apartment, house, mini-vermi farm.

Need a consultation? Contact our specialists. They will answer all your questions.