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How to House & Care for 1,000–5,000 Superworms Like a Pro

Keeping Superworms is an adventure of its own. Even though they end up being food for your beloved pets, giving them everything they need to reduce stress is the right thing to do.

Why Buy in Bulk?

We all know that everything is getting more expensive, so why not save money where you can? Buying Superworms in bulk is one of the easiest ways to cut costs while ensuring your pets always have a fresh, nutritious food supply. We put this guide together because shipping and material costs are rising on our end, and we want to help our customers save where they can. The good news? Keeping Superworms alive and healthy is way easier than you might think!

Why Bulk Buying is the Smart Choice

  • Save Big on Costs - Buying in bulk can cut your per-worm cost by nearly half compared to small weekly purchases.

  • Control Nutrition - Targeted gut-loading improves the health of your animals. Feed Superworms the right foods before feeding them to your pet.

  • Ensure Peak Freshness - No more worrying about running out or dealing with unhealthy, half-dead worms from a pet store.

  • Perfect for Multiple Pets -Whether you have reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, or small mammals, bulk Superworms ensure you always have what you need.

How to Set Up Your Superworm Colony

Superworms are surprisingly easy to store and maintain. Here’s how to set them up for long-term success.

The Right Container: Floor Space Matters

Superworms thrive when they have space to spread out. Here's what works

  • Glass aquariums - These work, but they’re heavy and a hassle to clean.

  • Plastic totes (recommended for home use - Lightweight, easy to clean, and customizable. For best results, we recommend a gasketed plastic tote with a custom ventilation setup:

 

Lid or No Lid? The Choice is Yours

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  • ​Lid On - Helps keep things in and keep things out (especially useful if you have other insects in the house).

  • Lid Off - One less thing to clean or open when feeding, plus maximum airflow.

​Either way, Superworms can't climb smooth plastic, so escapes aren't an issue as long as your substrate level stays low.

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Lid On

  • Ventilation mod - Cut a large hole (the bigger, the better—Superworms love fresh air!) in the lid and cover it with fine mesh or MERV 8 air filter fabric.

  • Why? - This keeps out stray flying insects (and maybe even that furry friend) while providing excellent airflow, which helps prevent moisture buildup and keeps worms healthier.

  • Size guide:

    • 1,000 Superworms → 12-quart+ tote (about 16” x 11”)​

    • 5,000 Superworms → 32-quart+ tote (about 24” x 16”)

Both options work, and it really comes down to preference

Substrate (Bedding & Food in One!)

Superworms burrow, so a good bedding layer keeps them happy and doubles as food

  • Best Options - Wheat bran, rolled oats, or crushed cornmeal (2-3 inches deep).

  • Avoid - Fine powders (can cause respiratory issues) and bedding that molds easily.

Feeding & Hydration: Superworms Are What They Eat

Gut-Loading for Better Pet Nutrition

Feed Superworms before offering them to your pet to enhance their nutrition. Here’s what works best:

  • Reptiles & Amphibians - Dark leafy greens (collards, dandelion, mustard greens)

  • Birds - Fruits, veggies, and high-protein grains

  • Fish- Spirulina, seaweed, or protein-rich fish food

  • Small Mammals -Carrots, sweet potatoes, and oats

Gut-Loading for Better Pet Nutrition

No Water Bowls - Superworms will drown. Instead:

  • Fresh-Cut Veggies - like carrots, potatoes, or apples

  • Water gel - can be used, but it’s not necessary if you provide moist food regularly.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Superworms Thriving

Superworms are low-maintenance, and you really don’t need to do much unless you see signs of trouble

When to Clean:

  • You don’t need to sift frass (worm poop) regularly.

  • Only really need to clean when the frass level is so high that it prevents you from adding fresh bran.

  • If you notice a bad smell or a wet spot in the tote, it’s time to replace the bedding.

What to Expect:

  • A day after feeding, the substrate and frass should be relatively dry.

  • If moisture lingers, you may be overfeeding high-water foods like apples or potatoes..

How Long Do Superworms Last?

With proper care, we have known keepers to keep Superworms alive for over a year without pupating!

Bulk Buying Guide:

  • Think about how many Superworms you currently feed per week and multiply that by 12 to start.

  • After you successfully keep Superworms for 3 months you can start shooting for longer!

Final Thoughts: Why Bulk Buying Just Makes Sense

If you're buying small batches every week, you're spending more than you need to. A single bulk order can save you money, provide better nutrition for your pets, and ensure you always have fresh, healthy feeders on hand—without the hassle of constant reordering.

With the right setup—a well-ventilated plastic tote, proper bedding, and strategic gut-loading—your Superworms can thrive for months. Buying in bulk is the smartest, most cost-effective way to keep your animals well-fed while keeping more money in your pocket.

And who knows? After you master this, it might be time to start a breeding colony. Oh my!!! 😱🔥

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