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

[cimarron]

hey there, anybody have experience with the "maggot farm"? i hear you can hang a coffee can with holes near the bottom, and put a little something organic in there...the flies lay eggs, the maggots fall out of the holes...free protein for the chickens.

 

[ArizonaNessa]

I have never heard of that but I guess all things are possible. It seems to me that you would have to put some sort of meat in that can though and that might cause unwanted flys and a really gross smell. Maybe someone else has some ideas though.

 

[ChickeryChick]

Check out this link
http://www.catawbacoops.com/soldier-fly-larvae-as-a-cheap-food-source-for-chickens.html

ChickeryChick

 

[Akane]

Attracting flies is kind of the point so they aren't unwanted. Maggots come from flies. Your actually somewhat controlling the population. Instead of laying eggs elsewhere that the chickens won't find them you are getting the flies to lay eggs where the maggots will become chicken food. I don't think I would do it though. I'd rather not have stuff hanging around rotting.

 

[cimarron]

Free chicken feed? 42% PROTEIN???!!! Bio-Conversion of kitchen scraps?!!!! Count me IN. it sounds like the amount of organic matter needed is negligible. It's not like having a rotting deer carcass in there or anything. I'm going to see if i can rig something up and give it a go! thanks for the link!

 

[Tweeza]

Some where here at BYC I posted a link to a home made Black Soldier Fly Larvae bin. There is also a container called a BioPod. I have one of those. You put everything in there that is garbage (i.e., coffee grounds, leftovers that were forgotten in the back of the fridge or on the stove overnight, pieces of fat cut off your roast, you name it if the chickens can't eat it the BSFL can and will and they'll reduce it to practically nothing!) I haven't gotten my BioPod up and running yet. I'm a college student and just have not had the thought to start it. My BSFL were still growing up until about late January, possibly Feb. I can't remember but they lasted longer than I expected. The chickens go nuts over them and they're really good for them. They're high in Lauric Acid (sp?) which prevents cocci or something like that. I personally think everyone should have a bin of some sort. Just my humble two cents and opinion.

 

[cimarron]

yes yes. it's a good thing to be able to produce as many things yourself as you can. i have been doing a low-tech version of this idea, when i turn my compost pile and hit a spot with larvae or bugs i'll put a few shovels in for the chickens. they know exactly what to do. one drawback on those bio pods, they are spendy! i think i'll start with a coffee can and go from there. god knows i have enough coffee cans sitting around to build a freakin' house.

 

[DiVon80]

Thanks for this information. Sounds like a good way to get some extra protein for my girls.

 

[ivan3]

With all that extra protein one would no longer have to cajole the hens to lay lady lay...

 

[Clay in MS]

Noticed yesterday my redworm composting bucket has become filled with maggots. Looks like the chickies will get their fill.