I bought the same ones. Think it was a couple thousand or so. The red wigglers really help break down compost like no other worm can. I have a black tumbler compost bin which I use to pre break down alot of compost before I feed it to the worms. It helps speed the process and they really produce the castings. I have my worms in a two bucket rectangular setup that works pretty well but I am thinking of getting some worm farm style containers. My best to you in your future worm farming!