How to Raise Young Silkworms? Detailed Explanation of Breeding Techniques and Management Key Points

The silkworm is a metamorphic insect, and when it grows to a certain extent it will also spin silk. It is an animal with relatively high economic value. So how should young silkworms be raised?

How to raise young silkworms?

1. Temperature and humidity

The suitable temperature for the 1st-2nd instars is 26-27°C, and the relative humidity is 90%; therefore, for 1st-2nd instar silkworms, full dry-proof rearing is adopted, that is, plastic film is placed on top and underneath; for the 3rd instar, semi dry-proof rearing is used, that is, plastic film is only placed on top and not underneath, keeping the temperature at 26-27°C and the relative humidity at 85%.

2. Feeding

For 1st-3rd instar silkworms, it is advisable to choose relatively tender mulberry leaves for feeding, while 4th-5th instar silkworms can be fed ordinary mulberry leaves. Feed 4 times a day, at the following times: 7 a.m., 11 a.m., 4 p.m., and 10 p.m.; young silkworms grow and develop quickly, and each mulberry feeding should be combined with expanding the rearing bed.

3. Hygiene

For newly hatched silkworm babies, they must be cared for very carefully. Do not always touch them with your hands, as this will kill them. Every time you change the mulberry leaves, first clear out the old uneaten mulberry leaves from the box. The old mulberry leaves have lost their nutritional value, so letting the silkworm babies eat new mulberry leaves will allow them to absorb nutrients better.

In addition, if the mulberry leaves bought back cannot all be fed, they can be put in a plastic bag, tied tightly, and then stored in the refrigerator.