Worm Composting

[CARS]

I have read quite a bit information on vermi composting. I would like to add worm boxes below my rabbit cages.

One thing I can't find an answer to is what happens in winter? Here in MN we get frost 4 to 5 feet below ground, what happens to worms? Has anyone done something to heat their boxes to keep the worms alive/active??

My rabbits are fine and active because I have heat on them but it's not uncommon for me to change out their frozen water bottles a few times a day.

 

[wifezilla]

I think they go deep and hibernate...sort of.

We dug up some garden soil last week and there were these cold stiff worms in it. After a little while in your hand, they would thaw out and start wiggling.

(I fed them to my ducks)

 

[CARS]

So they go dormant. Not too handy for composting in winter then are they :/

Hmmm

 

[wifezilla]

Well, in a compost pile, the soil will sill be warm due to the bacterial action.

 

[muddler6]

In the winter you can do indoor worm composting, lots of info on here for that too.

 

[CARS]

Thanks for the replies.

My rabbits are usually in a tractor all summer (unless I know bad weather is coming) so warm weather worm beds are, well... my lawn.

I was really hoping that I could utilize worms for the winter when the rabbits are in the barn. Cleaning trays just sucks when it is -10F