Black Soldier Fly Maggots in chicken run!

[lindzmae]

Hi,
I am very new to chicken upkeeping. I was raking through some of the hay in our chicken run and found hard spots of dirt where the food and water are located. The food and water are under a solid roof so I picked this spot to give the chickens more room to roost in their coop. Anyways, i poked these hard parts with a stick and underneath were thousands of black fly larvae. The girls went crazy and started eating them. I couldn't stop them. Is it okay that they were eating these maggots? where did the maggots come from? Please help,
Lindsay

 

[cuckoo4chickenz]

Maybe from spoiled food that gets knocked out of the feeder? or from the poop? I am really no help but am curious about this as well. I am new to chicken keeping and have alot to learn. Seems like I read somewhere that chickens are very good at knowing what they can and can't eat

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! They are fine for chickens, some people actually raise them for their chickens as a protein supplement https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/406797/anyone-using-black-soldier-flies You find them in compost piles etc all the time, so the combination of hay and spilled food/water made for a good place for them to grow.

 

[lindzmae]

my girls went crazy for them. but therre were lots so for 2 chickens i think they got full (if thats possible).
should i just overturn everything and let them eat all the maggots before cleaning out the run?

 

[Kelsie2290]

You need more chickens! You might take your time cleaning out the run and let them eat some of the maggots everyday, sounds like a good way to supplement their feed.

 

[cuckoo4chickenz]

my girls went crazy for them. but therre were lots so for 2 chickens i think they got full (if thats possible).
should i just overturn everything and let them eat all the maggots before cleaning out the run?

Only 2?? LOL

 

[lindzmae]

You guys are a hoot! We decided to start small and add in a few more once we know more about how to raise chickens. Apparently you have to experience it to learn!

 

[cuckoo4chickenz]

You will fall victim to chicken math...it happens to all of us.

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! I have my chickens roaming my suburban backyard and it's hard to find bugs other then nasty flies....chickens are good like that.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC.