If you’re someone who enjoys nice and juicy sauteed chicken steaks for dinner, and you have chicken in your backyard, there’s a chance you may be raising your chickens for their meat. In this case, your chickens - whether male or female - are called broilers.

Understandably, everyone raising broiler chickens wants their birds to be healthy throughout their life.

There are a few things you can do to improve chicken health and make them ‘meatier while healthier’. A great way to do so is by incorporating Black Soldier Fly treats into their feed. 

So, without further ado, let’s talk about how BSF treats boosts growth and survival for broiler chickens.

Improved Weight Gain 

Supplementing with Black Soldier Flies is a simple way to incorporate animal protein and healthy fats into your chickens’ diet. 

When protein enters their bodies, it is broken down into amino acids. 

These amino acids, together with proteins, are the ‘building blocks of life’. This is because they form new bones, muscles, skin and cartilage. They also repair damaged tissues, help digestion, and ensure an efficient supply of oxygen to different body parts.

… Leading To Boosted Growth

Packing more muscle on top of a more solid base (skeletal system) leads to not just weight gain but a weight gain which is healthy for the chicken. Additional muscle mass will also wake up the appetite and increase metabolism. 

Increased Immunity 

BSF treats contain a range of essentials for chickens. Two of these are zinc and copper.

Zinc is known to be efficient in helping chickens fight off germs, including various bacteria, fungi and viruses. 

On the other hand, copper slows down the progression of these pathogens.

Taken together, zinc and copper help chicken bodies to resist disease-causing germs.

… Leading To Boosted Survival

As a result of increased resistance to germs, your broiler chickens’ survival rates are boosted considerably.

They are less likely to contract a disease in the first place. In case they do, they are in a better position to fight it off and not succumb to it. This owes to the increased immunity built through the nutrients present in BSF treats.

Increased Resistance To Diseases

Iron plays a role in the formation of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin helps in transporting oxygen to the organs in your chickens’ bodies. If a deficiency of iron occurs, a condition called anaemia results. 

BSF contains a healthy amount of iron, hence helping to prevent this disease.

Additionally, the ample supply of calcium chickens get from Black Soldier Flies leads to stronger bones. As a result, they have a lesser likelihood of developing bone-related diseases like osteoporosis.

Inevitably, not contracting such conditions leads to better growth and survival rates.

FAQs

Are the above findings backed by evidence?

Yes, researchers in the US conducted an experiment to observe the effect of incorporating Black Soldier Fly Larvae into chickens’ feed. The results showed that these chickens had boosted growth and survival compared to chickens raised on commercial feed. 

Can I use BSF for other birds, like ducks, turkeys and geese, as well?

Absolutely. BSF feed is a great source of nutrition for poultry.

Can I mix BSF larvae with other food?

Although BSF can be used on its own, mixing BSF larvae with grains and vegetables is a great way to mix and match nutrients and form a healthy and delicious meal.

Conclusion

Chickens are not picky eaters; they’ll eat whatever they get their beak on. But to ensure optimal growth and increased survival rates for your broiler chickens (and chickens in general), you should closely monitor their diet and offer them nutritious snacks to munch on.

One such snack which can also be used as a meal when mixed with other feed or as a supplement - is Black Soldier Flies. Your chickens will thank you for it, and if you are raising broiler chickens, you will taste the difference also. Healthy chickens are happy chickens!

Your feathery friends, and their adorable little ducklings, running about in your backyard garden is a precious sight to behold. To make the most out of this view and also derive maximum benefits from your ducks, it is vital to keep them active, happy, and healthy.

In this article, we’ll focus in particular on the benefits of supplementing your ducks diet with a “super-treat”, a not-so-secret but not-used-frequently-enough ingredient: Black Soldier Fly meals. Trust us, your ducks will love it!        

BSF meals are especially important for ducks that do not get to munch on insects often. For example, birds that spend a lot of time in their coop do not get a chance to forage for insects. As a substitute, they can be fed Black Soldier Fly Larvae, which gives them the animal protein they require.

If you’re considering BSF for your ducks, follow us through this article as we guide you through its numerous health benefits.

More Energetic Ducks

If your ducks are acting lazier than usual and simply lacking their ‘happy quack’, they may be low on energy. To lift their spirits and bring back the energy, try incorporating a few handfuls of Black Soldier Fly Larvae. If nutrient deficiency was the issue, you should see their vigor restoring in just a few days. 

This effect is often observed because of the caloric and nutritive boost BSF provide.With around 40-45% protein and 20-25% fat by dry weight, BSF are the some of the most, if not the most nutritious yet natural treats your ducks can have. 

Faster Growth And Improved Metabolism

There’s another benefit of the full amino acid protein profile of BSF. When protein enters your ducks’ bodies, it is broken down into individual amino acids. These amino acids keep your ducks healthy by repairing and restoring damaged muscles and cells. In addition, it boosts their metabolic rates, that is, the pace at which your ducks convert food to energy.

BSF treats also contain magnesium. This micro-nutrient is important for metabolism and ensures growth at optimal rates and helps their bodies to function normally.

Stronger Skeletons

Black Soldier Fly treats contain phosphorus, in optimal calcium to phosphorus ratio. Phosphorus is essential for the efficient and rapid growth of the skeleton. Hence, BSF meals contribute towards solid and sturdy structures.

Strong Bones And Better Feathers

BSF meals also provide ducks with zinc and calcium. These nutrients help ducks form strong bones and better feathers. Plus, zinc plays an essential role in enzyme formation.

Increased Immunity

The zinc present in BSF meals helps the duck’s immune system fight off pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Additionally, they also contain copper, which slows down the growth of micro-organisms. Both of these factors taken together contribute to increased immunity and a lesser likelihood of contracting diseases. Supreme Grubs black soldier flies were fed on probiotic rich feed which means that they contain certain postbiotics which can further boost the immune system.

Healthier Eggs

The calcium present in Black Soldier Fly meals is essential for ducks to lay better-quality eggs. With the right amount of calcium, all other things being at the optimal rate, you will get healthy, strong eggs, and in significant amounts! … I mean, who doesn’t appreciate a couple of extra eggs? 

Helps Prevent Conditions Like Anaemia And Rickets

Iron is used to build haemoglobin. Haemoglobin transports oxygen to all organs in duck bodies, hence supporting normal functioning. When a lack of haemoglobin occurs, a condition called ‘anaemia’ results, and the duck is believed to be anaemic. However, BSF meals contain the mineral iron, which ensures a steady supply of haemoglobin and prevents anaemia.

On top of that, a relatively high amount (as compared to mealworms) of calcium provided by Black Soldier Flies ensures that bone-related diseases like osteoporosis and rickets are avoided.

Conclusion

Black Soldier Fly treats make up for the missing insects in your ducks’ diets and provide a range of health benefits, as listed in this article. Moreover, ducks fed on nutrients present in BSF have increased energy levels and improved health compared to ducks deprived of them. Supplementing with BSF is a great and simple way to incorporate animal protein into their diet - and a way which is sustainable for the environment and has a much better nutritive profile as compared to competing treats.

One of the essentials to a happy and healthy flock is looking after its nutritional requirements. Providing your birds with the right food not only adds to their health but also maximizes the benefits they provide to you.

Generally, chickens and other domestic fowl forage for insects. But if your chickens spend most of the time in their coop, or your garden doesn’t host many insects, you may want to introduce insects to your poultry feed.

An efficient way of doing so is by incorporating dried black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) into your birds’ feed or as an occasional treat. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the nutritional composition of BSF and why they are a great complement to your birds' diet.

What Does Black Soldier Fly Larvae contain?

Before we dive into the macro and micronutrients found in Black Soldier Fly Larvae, let us first have a look at what your backyard flock needs.

It’s All In The Nutrition

Just like us humans need a variety of nutrients, your feathery friends need them in optimum amounts as well. Two of the key nutrients which chickens need and BSFL supplies in ample quantities are protein and calcium.

Protein is composed of a chain of amino acids. These amino acids are crucial to the growth and long-term health of your chickens and ducks. Approximately 22 amino acids are required by your birds daily, with some of these being formed within their bodies, and others being obtained from their diet.

On the other hand, your birds need calcium to lay healthy, strong eggs. With a calcium-deficient diet, the eggs are likely to be soft and of low quality. Plus, the birds are more prone to diseases like rickets and osteoporosis (yes, your feathery friends can get these too!).

How Do BSF Larvae Help? - Nutrition Facts

Black Soldier Fly Larvae contain an ample amount of protein and calcium. 

According to a study, BSF larvae can contain up to 50% protein (in the form of Crude Protein) and amino acids similar to those present in a fishmeal. Flock owners would know that’s quite a sizeable amount!

On top of that, they contain an ample amount of calcium. This is because of the calcium carbonate embedded within their skeletons.

But those are not the only nutrients within a BSFL. Here are some of the other important nutrients present and also why they are important for your feathery fellows.

• Fat:

Fat is needed by your birds to help dissolve fat-soluble vitamins. Examples include vitamin A and E. Also, fat makes chicken feed more appetizing.

• Phosphorous:

Phosphorus helps chickens and ducks form a strong skeleton. Growing birds thus need it for their skeletal growth. Laying hens utilize it for egg production as well. It is important to note that BSF contains an optimal ratio of Calcium to Phosphorus. More isn't always better, but the balance of the two elements.

• Magnesium:

Magnesium is required for optimal growth and normal bodily functions. If your birds are magnesium-deficient, they may show symptoms including slow growth. In the worst-case scenario, a magnesium deficiency can kill them. Yikes!

• Sodium:

An optimum amount of sodium will speed up the growth and appetite of your flock. Although many people incorporate this through salt, it is good for you to remember that BSF larvae also give your birds some sodium.

• Iron:

Your birds use iron to build haemoglobin. This helps red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to all body parts. Everyone knows how important oxygen is to animal health.

• Zinc:

Zinc helps chickens and ducks form feathers and bones. Plus, it is important for enzymes and appetite control.

• Copper:

Your birds utilize copper to stop (or slow down) the growth of micro-organisms. This reduces the likelihood of contracting any diseases.

BSF larvae really are magical - one addition to the feed and so many benefits!

FAQs

Should I use BSF larvae only if my chickens don’t get to eat enough insects?

BSF is a natural treat for domestic fowl, which is not used only as a substitute for insects. BSF larvae can be used simply to incorporate more calcium and protein into your backyard flock’s diet.

Do I have to make my own dried BSFL?

Although you can make your own dried BSFL using small-scale drying techniques, you can also purchase ready-made ones.

Conclusion

Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae is a natural and incredibly nutritious treat (something like what we refer to as a superfood). In addition, the proteins from the BSF have a full spectrum of amino acids since they are animal-derived, unlike soy or other feeds and treats. The nutritional information listed above will help you understand why BSF larvae are really worth the investment!