Worm and snail farms

[Helen]

I have been collectung old fridges and freezers to set up for worm and snail farms.

1. The worm farms are being setup to deal with the enormous amount of waste from the rabbit/cavy shed. I find that the shredded paper and pine shavings take too long to compost, so I am hoping this might be the answer. I am also hoping the sale of worms and vermicompost will help help offset the cost of feeding new hutches etc.

2. The snail farms I will be setting up as an experiment, I am looking for new ways to generate an income from my acre block and recycle excess grass and veges.

Has anybody had any experience in either of these. It would be helpful and it may be possible that some other members may also be interested in pursuing these ways of recycling/ generating some extra income.

[Peter]

Sounds like a great Idea

I haven't had alot of experience in it, but with all my lawn clippings and cavy waste I have build a large compost area, which has attracted 1000s and 1000s of worms! each area is an average of 2 metres by 2 metres, and is raised above the ground about half a metre or so. It doesnt take that long to compose (about 3-4 weeks). When it composes the volume drops alot, but thats when I chuck on more. once it has reach a high volume I plant vegies in it and move on to the next area while the vegies grow. I rotate each one ever 6months or so. Most animals that pass on go into the compost too (are burried in it). The soil that is creatated is so fluffy and rich, and i would say 50% soil 50% worms. And thats just from themselves finding it. We did have worm farms a while ago that were contained, but we let them go.