i ain't gonna work on maggot's farm no more...

[abluechipstock]

they make a rice crispies sound when they are moving around

 

[shaggy]

this is a good read ... also has some tips on minimizing the smell some too


http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Feeding-Chickens-Maggots.html

 

[Tweeza]

Check out some of the threads here at BYCs:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=75745
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=11556

Here's a link to a DIY bin: http://www.redwormcomposting.com/the-share-board/vermimans-diy-bsfl-bin/

I like my BioPod. For a while I sold larvae to a pet store and it almost paid for the Pod.

I cook any raw meat that I put into my Pod. It breaks down the connective tissue and the larvae eat it all, except for bone, and there's no smell. I also only put what they can eat in a day or so. They love coffee grounds!

I can't believe I missed this thread at the beginning. I'm thrilled more people are warming to the idea of BSFL for their chickens!!

 

[sundance]

Quote:
I knew I hated rice crispies for some reason marrie

 

[Tweeza]

According to this website: http://store01.prostores.com/servlet/thephoenixwormstore/Page?template=comparison
"Phoenix Worms are also a natural weapon against coccidia.
In addition to having a perfect balance of calcium and phosphorus,
Phoenix Worms provide high levels of natural lauric acid. Lauric acid
is known for its excellent antimicrobial properties including potent activity
against lipid coated viruses, clostridium and pathogenic protozoa including
coccidia. Lauric acid is a medium chain saturated fatty acid found in Phoenix
Worms as well as some vegetable oils and in dairy products. 53% of the fat
in Phoenix Worms is beneficial lauric acid, a proven antimicrobial especially
effective against coccidiosis."

ETA: Forgot to say Phoenix Worms are a trademark name for Black Soldier Fly Larvae. The above paragraph is an excerpt from the mentioned website.

 

[kingmt]

Quote:
I just put some holes in the bottom of a laundry detergent bottle & pulled out the spot out. I cleaned out the fridge & put it inside. No flies yet though.

I was not sure about useing meat but I am going to soup it up with some.

 

[Tweeza]

Quote:
If you don't cook it first it'll really stink like rotting flesh. I think I'd wait to put the meat/cooked meat into it until you know you have larvae growing. Just my humble opinion...been there done that.

 

[Busymama]

I love the idea of free, protein rich chicken food. The hanging coffee can with holes in the bottom sounds like a great idea to me. Has anyone found this design to work?
I saw the DIY bin using a big tote and PVC pipes. That just looks like too much of a project for me. I'm hoping the simple hanging container will do the trick. Please keep us posted here on what kind of results you are getting with your buckets. Thanks!

 

[Tweeza]

Quote:
I have a compost barrel with holes drilled all over it and that worked for the larvae. I would suppose the coffee cans would work if the holes were big enough the chickens would have to hunt for the larvae after they've fallen but that would be great for them. My only thought would be, it might dry out real fast and they prefer the dark. I've seen garbage cans with holes drilled in them or you might try a 5 gallon bucket with holes drilled. The main thing is they need a way to get out.

 

[RubberChickenLubber]

I was wondering if black soldier flies were found nationwide. I have some 1 gallon buckets that I'm thinking of trying for this purpose. They have the handles like 5 gallons do, and I'll have hubby paint them a dark color to help block out most of the light. I have a lid to put on it, and thought about drilling 3/4 inch holes in it for the flies to get in and out through. Then drilling a few holes around the bucket for the maggots to fall out through. Those of you with experiece with these flies let me know if you think this might work. thanks