How did you protect them from animals? I grew acorn squash last summer and I believe squirrels nibbled on the squash then something came in (deer?) and ate all the leaves.
I have red wigglers and I use a single rubbermaid container. As far as time required for worms to break down food it depends on how many worms you have.
I found this site to be helpful
http://www.redwormcomposting.com/
This site states that " In ideal conditions worms can eat at least their...