Black soldier larvae

[Conniesmeltzer1956]

When can I start giving my chickens black soldier larvae? They were born May 29th.
Thank you

 

[Jener8or]

I usually just make sure they have gotten grit and I give them to mine pretty young (once they are big enough to eat them.)

Others might have better advice or opinions on it, but I have never had a problem.

 

[WingItRanch]

Now!.. but as an occasional treat and in moderation. If they don't free range, offer chick grit on the side but don't mix it into their regular food.

 

[Clukcluks]

3mo. into raising my 5girls. So, why am I going to start giving them this Dried Soldier Fly Larvae.

What are they going to get out of this moderate feeding as a treat.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

You don’t have to. BSFL are a source of animal protein.

 

[WingItRanch]

It's just a treat. I use it to train my chickens to come. Shake the treat bucket and they come running.

 

[Clukcluks]

You don’t have to. BSFL are a source of animal protein.

What are some signs of low protein. I am dealing with soft shelled eggs, and low production at this time, with some diarea. Along with a up an down heatwave.

 

[WingItRanch]

What are some signs of low protein. I am dealing with soft shelled eggs, and low production at this time, with some diarea. Along with a up an down heatwave.

The diarrhea might be from the heatwave since they'll drink more water. Egg production can also drop with hot weather.

Soft shell eggs are different. What percentage of protein is in your feed? Some layer feed can have reduced protein. 18% and up is pretty good.

If you keep seeing soft shell eggs, you may have a calcium issue. You can give Calcium D3 Citrate to the hen that is having the issues.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

The diarrhea might be from the heatwave since they'll drink more water. Egg production can also drop with hot weather.

Soft shell eggs are different. What percentage of protein is in your feed? Some layer feed can have reduced protein. 18% and up is pretty good.

If you keep seeing soft shell eggs, you may have a calcium issue. You can give Calcium D3 Citrate to the hen that is having the issues.

+1

Also, your girls are pretty young, and I’m guessing they’ve just started laying. Wonky eggs are pretty common with new layers, but it should settle down.

Just be sure that you always have supplemental calcium, generally in the form of oyster shell, available. Somehow they know if they need it and will eat it when needed. One of the amazing mysteries of chickens.

You should be able to find oyster shell pretty much anywhere that sells chicken feed and supplies.

 

[Clukcluks]

The diarrhea might be from the heatwave since they'll drink more water. Egg production can also drop with hot weather.

Soft shell eggs are different. What percentage of protein is in your feed? Some layer feed can have reduced protein. 18% and up is pretty good.

If you keep seeing soft shell eggs, you may have a calcium issue. You can give Calcium D3 Citrate to the hen that is having the issues.

Diarea and production
All the girls are relatively the same ages 4to6 months Only 2 are putting out.
Soft eggshells 16% layer feed. 1st bag is down to only one more serving, then I'm going to up the % to a higher level.
I'll be heading to Walmart for some Calcium Citrate +D3. I've been told about this from the group. Thanks for your advice