Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) is becoming the go-to food for backyard chicken owners everywhere. It is packed with nutrition and is more eco-friendly than traditional feed. But, one question remains – how much BSFL should you be giving your feathered friends? In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about feeding your backyard chickens dried black soldier fly larvae.

Start small, and build up slowly

The first rule of feeding your chickens BSFL is to not go overboard. You want to start small, with just a few larvae. This is important because chickens can sometimes have sensitivities to new foods. Start small, and build up their tolerance to BSFL slowly. If you notice any unusual behavior or upset stomachs, cut back.

Don’t forget the protein factor

Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae is primarily a protein source. If you want your chickens to get the most out of their feeding, make sure you are using it as a supplement to their regular diet. Your chickens need a balanced diet, and too much protein can lead to health problems. A good guideline is to use about 5-10% of their diet as BSFL.

Vary the serving sizes

The amount of BSFL your chickens need can vary based on their age, size, and activity level. Generally, a serving size of BSFL is about 10% of their total diet. So, if you have six chickens, giving them half a cup to a full cup of BSFL per day is plenty. You also don’t have to give them the same amount every day. They can have more on days when they are more active and less on days when they are less active.

Mix it up with other treats

Your chickens don’t just want to eat the same thing every day. They need variety to keep them happy and healthy. Adding in other treats like fruits, vegetables, and grains can help diversify their diet. If you’re unsure about what treats to feed your chickens, consult with your local feed store or veterinarian.

Store your BSFL properly

Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae can spoil like any other food if left out in the open air. Proper storage is fundamental to its long-term viability. Keep it airtight, and in a cool, dry place. This will help preserve its shelf life.

To conclude, feeding your chickens dried black soldier fly larvae is a great way to supplement their diet with protein while being environmentally conscious. By starting small, varying the serving size, and mixing up other treats, you can ensure that your chickens are getting a healthy and balanced diet. Remember, your chickens need a varied diet, so don’t rely entirely on BSFL. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your local feed store or veterinarian. Happy feeding!

If you're an avid gardener or simply love the idea of leading a self-sufficient lifestyle, then raising backyard birds that lay eggs could be an ideal way to start. Most chicken keepers know that hens are prolific egg-layers, but did you know that certain breeds of ducks, geese, and turkeys can also produce a large number of eggs? In this blog post, we will be exploring the backyard bird that gives the most eggs, including chickens.

Hands down, chickens are the most popular backyard birds for their egg-laying abilities. They are prolific layers and are capable of laying up to 300 eggs per year. Some of the most productive breeds that are perfect for backyard chicken keeping include Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, and Australorps. Apart from their egg-laying abilities, chickens are also easy to care for, require minimal space, and make great pets.

If you're looking for something a little different than a chicken, then consider keeping ducks. Although they don't lay as many eggs as chickens, some breeds such as the Khaki Campbell can lay up to 300 eggs per year. Additionally, ducks are a great source of pest control, as they love to eat slugs and snails that could be damaging to your garden. They also produce high-quality manure that can be used as fertilizer.

Geese aren't the most obvious choice for backyard bird keepers, but they are actually fantastic layers that can lay up to 50-60 eggs per year. These eggs are not only delicious, but they are also larger than chicken eggs. Geese are also great protectors of their young and can scare off potential predators. However, they do require more space than chickens or ducks, and their eggs can be a little more challenging to collect.

If you're looking for an exotic bird that lays a large number of eggs, then consider keeping turkeys. Turkeys are known for producing succulent, flavorful meat, but they are also a great source of eggs. A female turkey can lay up to 100 eggs per year, and the eggs are much larger than chicken eggs. These birds require slightly more space than chickens and ducks, but they are docile and sociable creatures.

Beyond chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, there are several other birds that you could consider keeping in your backyard for their egg-laying abilities. Some of these birds include quails, guinea fowl, and even pigeons. However, it's essential to research the specific care requirements for each bird before making a decision.

Ultimately, the choice of bird that produces the most eggs for your backyard doesn't have to be a one-size-fits-all solution. Each bird has its unique care requirements, personalities, and egg-laying abilities. If you're just starting, chickens are a perfect choice as they are easy to care for and are prolific layers. If you want to branch out, consider ducks, geese, or turkeys. Whatever your preference, backyard birds are an excellent way to provide a sustainable source of food for your family while enjoying the many benefits of keeping animals on your property.

There’s no doubt that chickens make great pets and for many people loving and taking care of them is a fun and rewarding experience. However, for those who are looking for other feathered friends to share their backyard, there are a variety of different birds to consider. In this blog, we will list and introduce five of the most popular domestic backyard birds besides chickens in the US in 2023.

Ducks: If you’re looking to add some fun and water-loving birds to your backyard flock, ducks are a great choice. They are hardy and adaptable, making them easy to care for. Most domestic ducks will lay eggs regularly and make good pets as they can be quite social, affectionate, and intelligent.

Guineafowl: These birds are known for their loud call and unique appearance. In addition to being entertaining, guineafowl are also great at controlling insects. They can be a bit skittish when handled, but with proper care and socialization, they can make wonderful pets.

Turkeys: For those interested in raising larger birds, turkeys are another popular domestic backyard bird. They are easy to care for and make great companions. Turkeys are also excellent foragers and can be helpful in pest control. If you plan to purchase a turkey, make sure to choose either a heritage breed or a broad-breasted breed, depending on your needs and preferences.

Geese: These birds love swimming and are avid foragers. They can help keep your yard free of pests while also providing you with fresh eggs. However, geese tend to be quite loud and territorial, so it’s important to give them plenty of space. They can also be quite aggressive if they feel threatened, so it’s important to handle them with care.

Pigeons: Pigeons are incredibly adaptable and can thrive even in urban environments. They are easy to care for and make great pets. Although some people consider them pests, others appreciate their unique beauty and intelligence. Pigeons are also known for their homing instinct and can be trained to fly back to their coop after being released.

Conclusion

While chicken-keeping is still very popular, there are plenty of other domestic backyard birds to consider. Ducks, guineafowl, turkeys, geese, and pigeons can all make great pets while also providing a variety of benefits such as pest control, egg-laying, and more. If you’re looking for other feathered friends to add to your backyard, take some time to research each species to determine which is best for you.