We have so much variety of everything nowadays, and making the right or at least a good choice has never been more difficult. This holds true for goods destined for human but also animal consumption. With the variety of different options present for chicken feed and treats, choosing the right ones for your feathery friends is not that easy.

You need to do a good amount of research on the nutritional facts of the different types of feed and treats available and the requirements of your poultry before you can put together an optimal dietary plan for them. 

Speaking of insects, mealworms have long been known as a treat for chickens. The less well known are black soldier flies which have only recently gained momentum, for various good reasons. Both mealworms and BSF are a great source of protein but have a slightly different nutritional profile. 

In this article, we will do an objective comparison of mealworms and BSF and point out why BSF is a superior treat for your chickens, birds or ducks. So, without further ado, let’s get straight into it!

Where Did BSFL And Mealworms Originate?

Both BSFL and mealworms are commonly produced in China and Southeast Asia, owing to the area’s vast experience with producing insects and optimum temperature for the process. In places where they are commercially produced in the US, they are relatively more expensive.

You can raise your own BSFL and mealworms, of course, but that requires dedication and ample time - not everyone can fit it into their packed schedules. 

Production issues with BSFL and Mealworms

At times, both BSFL and Mealworms may be processed incorrectly using microwaves at overly high temperatures or with uneven temperature applied to the batch of larvae. This may result in a few or many larvae burned. Burning the larvae deprives it of certain nutritional benefits.

Next time you’re in the market to buy some worms, check their color and see if there too-many burned dried insects. Since mealworms are more hollow on the inside, they are more prone to getting burned and would thus end up providing even lower nutritional values.

BSFL Pose No Health Threats

If you wish to raise any one of mealworms or BSF - BSF is the safer option to go for.

Adult Black Soldier Flies do not have mouths (though they can drink water) and are not known to be transmitters of diseases.

Mealworms, on the other hand, can transmit dangerous diseases to your flock (and to you too!) such as the avian flu and E.coli. This is especially true for mealworms that feed on animal protein, as these animals may be diseased and the mealworms can easily pick up viruses and bacteria from the diseased animal.

Nutritional Facts

Although nutritional composition varies considerably depending on the diet of the larvae, an average estimate is as follows:

• Protein:

Mealworms contain 50% protein while BSFL consist of 41% crude protein. Since your chicks are in the growing stage, this protein plays a role in the formation of new tissues, and in the structure and function of their bodies.

• Fat:

Mealworms contain 25% fat, while BSFL contains 28%. For your growing chicks, this fat aids in optimal weight gain. This ensures they are nice and big, which is especially important if your chickens are intended to be broilers.

• Fiber:

Mealworms contain less fibre than BSFL (they have 7% versus a good 10% in BSFL by dry weight). Chicks that feed on more fibre consume more food and hence gain more weight. 

• Calcium:

BSFL contains 2% calcium by dry weight compared to negligible amounts in mealworms (there’s almost 85x more calcium in BSFL than mealworms). Calcium strengthens your chicks bones and contributes to stronger eggshells when they start laying.

Conclusion

Cute, little chicks running and clucking around in your backyard can really warm up your heart. But remember: it is their feed that keeps them going! 

It is essential for you to choose a versatile, nutritious diet that boosts their growth and aids their survival.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae and Mealworms are two of the many options that you can incorporate into your chicks’ feed.

However, a thorough research is a good idea before you choose any of them. And if you read up on their nutrition facts, as well as other aspects of their production (as mentioned in this blog), you will learn that BSFL are actually better, cleaner and sometimes even a cheaper option than mealworms for your chicks.

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.