Me and a collegue are thinking of starting a small, side-project, study on earthworm (Dendrobaena veneta) growth. Neither of us have worked with live earthworms before though. We would like to feed them some kind of "standardized" feed and were thinking of oat flakes as a potential choice. Does anyone know if this is a good choice, or do you have any better suggestion?
Other tips regarding rearing of worms are of course welcome as well.
It is OK to test organic-based materials as earthworms feed materials but earthworms palatability should be tested as precursor action before the real experiment is carry out. I would consider to have ruminant manure as bedding mixing together with the targeted feed material-potential choice in order to give breeding environment to the earthworms. Analysis parameters should have a wide view not only on the nutrient elements but some other heavy metals for examples as to determine the safety of the product produced from the vermicomposting activity. So much so the trials are in comprehensive analysis and benefit people who consume the product. Feel free to share anything regarding earthworms feed materials and best of luck!
I would like to add that in my experience on earthworms particularly Perionyx excavatus, addition of some cow dung slurry and pre-composting for 15 days increases palatibility.
Oat flakes can use. But the best choices are cow dung, chopped papers, leucaena leucocephala leaf etc.,
General reminder that worms need digestive help: From Mary Appelhof's _ Worms Eat My Garbage_ "One reason for manually spreading a handful of topsoil, rock dust, or lime into worm bedding is to provide worms with small, hard particles for their gizzards."
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