Black Soldier Fly larvae

[Douglas Colman]

I've constructed a BSF farm so that the larvae will self harvest directly into the coup. It's fairly large.
In hindsight I am thinking that there will be vast amounts of bsf. Most probably far too much.
My question is Can chickens eat too much BSFL protein and fat.
I don't want my chickens too fat to get on a perch.

 

[Fluffyflufffluff]

I've constructed a BSF farm so that the larvae will self harvest directly into the coup. It's fairly large.
In hindsight I am thinking that there will be vast amounts of bsf. Most probably far too much.
My question is Can chickens eat too much BSFL protein and fat.
I don't want my chickens too fat to get on a perch.

They are one of the most beneficial flies in existence and are considered non-pests. The adult black soldier fly does not have mouthparts and does not feed upon waste. Where can I get these flies?

 

[Douglas Colman]

They are one of the most beneficial flies in existence and are considered non-pests. The adult black soldier fly does not have mouthparts and does not feed upon waste. Where can I get these flies?

Thanks for the reply,
I've been researching the BSF and have constructed the breeder to the best of my ability and have been putting buckets of veggie scraps in it. They have to get a bit smelly to attract the flies.
Apparently it's the old Chestnut " build it and they will come". I've seen adults about but no grub action as yet.
The breeder is fairly big at 2ft x 4ft so when it starts production there will be lots and lots of larvae free falling into my four RIR chicks.
Will the girls eat until they burst or just become obese ?

 

[tn_artist]

I have no idea, so I am no help. I just wanted to comment that when we over fed mealworms once, we could taste it in the eggs.

 

[Douglas Colman]

I have no idea, so I am no help. I just wanted to comment that when we over fed mealworms once, we could taste it in the eggs.

Yes you are a help. Taste it in the eggs.
The girls are only two weeks old and I don't want to affect their health through my inexperience.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

With only 4 young chickens, you may end up with too many...the clear answer is “get more chickens”

if that’s not an option, maybe catch the larvae in a bucket and feed an appropriate amount, and freeze or dehydrate the extras for winter, when your protein-making machine will likely stop working?

 

[Douglas Colman]

With only 4 young chickens, you may end up with too many...the clear answer is “get more chickens”

if that’s not an option, maybe catch the larvae in a bucket and feed an appropriate amount, and freeze or dehydrate the extras for winter, when your protein-making machine will likely stop working?

 

[Douglas Colman]

Thanks for the reply my friend,
I'm just starting out with chickens and am a complete newbie. My chook (Australian term) knowledge so far has come from Utube.
Main question is can my girls have too much/many BSF meaning obesity, bad health, balanced diet.
I only have 4 chicks so if I screw up, the world won't stop turning.
The plan is to have more than 50 chickens but I'm taking little steps right now.
I live on an island in the Philippines so winter doesn't exist.
I l lived in mining camps for many years and now I've retired finally have time to do things for pleasure.

 

[VictoriaTemple]

I’m no expert, but I think honestly if your chickens have had enough BSF, they will stop eating them on their own. Definitely freeze your extras, even without a winter you can always find another flock raiser that’s too grossed out to raise their own!

On a side note, being in the Philippines, you probably have access to fresh bamboo. Bamboo leaves and new shoots are some of the healthiest food supplements you can give your chickens. Research done in the Philippines showed that chickens fed bamboo leaves with their feed grew bigger and healthier. Mine also seem to enjoy the exercise of climbing through the pile of cut culms to grab the tastiest leaves. Just a friendly FYI.

 

[Douglas Colman]

I’m no expert, but I think honestly if your chickens have had enough BSF, they will stop eating them on their own. Definitely freeze your extras, even without a winter you can always find another flock raiser that’s too grossed out to raise their own!

On a side note, being in the Philippines, you probably have access to fresh bamboo. Bamboo leaves and new shoots are some of the healthiest food supplements you can give your chickens. Research done in the Philippines showed that chickens fed bamboo leaves with their feed grew bigger and healthier. Mine also seem to enjoy the exercise of climbing through the pile of cut culms to grab the tastiest leaves. Just a friendly FYI.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Yes there is plenty of bamboo around here and I will definitely be adding some to their diet. Chookfood for free is a bonus.
My American friend has also just starting on this feathered adventure so I can share the excess with him.
Thanks again.
Douglas.