How to Breed Nightcrawlers

Nightcrawlers, a type of earthworm, are hermaphrodites just like other worms, but they still need to mate with another nightcrawler in order to reproduce. There are two main kinds of nightcrawlers, the European nightcrawler and the African nightcrawler, the latter of which is more sensitive to cold temperatures. Both types reproduce rapidly, as long as you create optimal conditions for breeding. Temperature and moisture are the most important elements for inducing reproduction in nightcrawlers, both of which are controlled rather easily.

Things You'll Need

  • Two nightcrawlers minimum
  • Opaque plastic container
  • Drill
  • Screen lid (optional)
  • Peat moss or coir bedding
  • Chicken mash
  • Vegetable scraps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place an opaque plastic container onto a surface suitable for drilling. Do not use a clear or translucent container as a habitat, as nightcrawlers are sensitive to light. Make sure that you have at least one square foot of surface area in the container per 1,000 nightcrawlers.

    • 2

      Drill small holes in the top part of the container's sides to allow for generous ventilation. You don't necessarily need a lid on your container, but use a screen or lid with holes if desired.

    • 3

      Soak peat moss or coir bedding (made from coconut fiber) in water. Let it soak overnight, and be sure that all of the bedding is saturated.

    • 4

      Wring excess water out of your soaked peat moss or coir bedding. Crumble the peat or coir into the container until you fill it to approximately 6 to 7 inches deep.

    • 5

      Add your nightcrawlers and watch them burrow into the bedding. Sprinkle a small amount of chicken mash or vegetable scraps on the surface of the bedding.

    • 6

      Place the container in a dark place that is out of direct sunlight, such as your basement, garage, closet or cabinet. To encourage breeding, keep the container moist but not wet. In nature, nightcrawlers mate and lay eggs most often in the fall and spring, when the moisture levels in the ground are highest.

    • 7

      Turn the bedding gently every one or two weeks to aerate the peat moss or coir. Make sure you toss the bedding so that the bedding on the bottom of the container is now on top. After a few weeks, you should begin to see your nightcrawlers lay eggs and the eggs hatch.