Black soldier fly larvae captivate backyard chicken keepers of the day. Loads of wriggly food may look wonderful to our feathery companions, but they may not be appealing to us. Is everyone going crazy, or is this just another fad driven by idiocy? Listen carefully to the clucking that actual farmers do – click here for more information!
Priority given to a love of chicken, BSFL. Tossing a handful into the run causes a pecking frenzy similar to ringing a bar’s dinner bell, with squawks, flaps, and a general state of chaos. “My hens would do backflips for them,” Jen says, a third-generation farmer from Kentucky. According to popular belief, these larvae are a hit with finicky eaters who typically ignore pellets or leftovers from the dinner table.
Nutrition is an important factor to consider, so let’s talk about it now. Protein content in BSFL typically ranges from 35% to 42%. Mealworms make up to 20–25 percent of the crop, hence farmers refer to them as “chicken rocket fuel.” High calcium is still another perk. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in a standard BSFL snack is far closer to what hens require for strong eggshells.
Given the importance of sourcing and cost in chicken forums, it’s clear that practicality plays a major role. Never again will you have to deal with fishy-smelling treats or fridge leftovers thanks to dried BSFL. Plus, bags are convenient to store. Some farmers go to extreme lengths, such as raising their own larvae from food scraps. Nothing was wasted; it was just eggs. A poetic allure permeates the practice of feeding birds the scraps from your kitchen before enjoying a meal of locally produced eggs.
Can we expect royal chicken treats made of mealworms and leftover food? There is some disagreement on that. Without a doubt, BSFL has confidently made its way onto the must-try list for flocks listening to farmers at fairs or online. The snack schedule may need adjusting if your hens aren’t performing barrel rolls when it’s time to reward them. Be wary, though; after you open that bag, the hens that are eyeing the next BSFL feast may begin to follow you around.