Silkworms...

After hatching, how long before they spin cocoons? I only want to keep silkies as feeders (and not breed), but I want to feed them all out before they spin.

Any particular signs that would indicate that stage is nearing - or would just counting the number of molts (I think I remember hearing 4 molts before they spin) be an indicator? I just want to plan accordingly so I can figure out how many to order and when I have to use them up by before they spin. Thanks!

I plan to order from Mulberry Farms and I want to get the small 1/4-1/2 inch size. How long before they would spin?

Any updates on that subject Tiger, or did you decide not to buy any?

I got lucky and there is a vendor at our local reptile show that sells siklworms (but they're a dozen for $5 or $6). He gives you a little bit of the silkworm chow, but it's only enough to last 2-3 days. So I had to feed them out by then. Beautifuldragons.com is supposed to start selling frozen silkies soon. With one lizard (whose primary diet is not meat) I don't think that I could go through a large quantity from Mulberry Farms before they spin (which I believe I was told on another forum that it would be at about 3-4 weeks of age).
http://www.beautifuldragons.com/