How much larvae are too much?

[sandykopandy]

I just discovered that my compost bin is crawling with what appears to be black soldier fly larvae. When I say crawling, I mean the whole thing moves when you open it. I scooped up a cup of the worms and fed them to the girls and they loved them so much that they wanted seconds, and since I am (in their minds) a fantastic short order cook, I whipped them up another helping. My question is, how much can they have? They eat layer feed and free range daily, but I notice that they would rather eat worms, free range stuff and BOSS. Should I be concerned about the balance of what they eat if I'm giving them straight up protein? At this time they lay well and appear healthy but this worm thing is new. Thanks in advance, my crazy chicken cohorts!

 

[HEChicken]

All I can say is, I'm envious. I've only had BSF larvae once and when I realized what they were, I put them in my compost. They did an awesome job of composting but once their life cycle was over, there were none left - I guess they didn't come back to lay their eggs.

I can't see an issue with the girls eating the larvae - seems like more of a natural diet than commercially prepared feed anyway. I don't know how much is too much - I wouldn't want to feed so many as to noticeably reduce the number in the compost.

 

[sandykopandy]

Oh gosh, I can't imagine this compost ever running out of them. It looks like something out of a horror flick. I wish there was some way I could send you some! Thanks for giving me confidence to let them have a worm buffet. If they could, I think they would thank you too.