Most likely the worms have already burrowed down into the ground. Being it was a cold snap, under the surface should be much warmer.

If the worms are not dead on the surface you are fine

Bruce

Wood shavings will take longer than smaller particles of wood sawdust however can be composted with the assistance of worms. The trick is to keep the pile aerated which without worms would mean continuous turning of the pile(s).

Also the pile needs to be maintained with constant moisture.

As for the Alabama Jumpers, we have found them living natural state as far north as New England, northern New York and Massachusetts. Being familiar with the area and seeing you have a relatively similar winter to the northeast, they should be able to adapt well. I am still unsure whether the worms burrow deep enough and hibernate up there or if the previous seasons cocoons hatch. Based on finding this summer, my theory would be a combination of both. Since you have an internal winter temperature of 80 degrees within the pile, there is a good chance this would keep the Alabama Jumpers active withing the pile since my past findings found them to become sluggish when temperatures fell to the mid fifties.

Bruce

I live near Chicago and have a few apple trees. I am trying to produce castings to fertilize my trees. I have a supply of used horse bedding which is composed of some horse manure, but mostly wood shavings. I’ve been trying to find a way to efficiently compost this used horse bedding, but the wood shavings are very hard to compost. Would adding worms right to the bedding pile help? If so what type of worm would you suggest. I have Red Wigglers and just purchased some of your African nightcrawlers. Would Alabama jumpers live through the winter up here if the core temp of the pile stays above 80?