Newb asking about black soldier fly larva BSFL

[topgunbobby]

Hello all,

Basically, who has experience feeding/raising quail with BSFL. I've found a few minor comments, but not much. I do plan to start with Purina game bird feeder, but like the idea of feeding the quail tasty, relatively organic larva, which can be grown off food scraps. I get nervous when I don't see any information on the forums, but maybe there is just not of experience or trials. I know the chicken owners rave about it which gets me thinking it's possible. I will probably try it either way Then I can contribute myself!

Thank you for all you add to this forum. I have spent a LOT of time reading and learning. I am about two weeks out from obtaining my first quails. I will be getting 2 dozen of various ages, colors, etc. and maybe some chicks. I'm staying away from egg hatching till I've got some hands-on learning. I just wanted those who contribute to know you are doing a great service.

Again, thank you!

P.S. Woot! First post!

 

[Mwilliams32931]

Welcome!

 

[TwoCrows]

I have never tried BSFL, but offering up any live feed is always a plus for the physical and mental health of quail. Anything you can do to keep their environment and feed as natural as possible will help keep your quail at their utmost health.

Oh and

and the quail forums!

 

[topgunbobby]

I appreciate the warm welcome. I have the same opinion regarding 'natural feeding'. It is usually a very good or very bad thing when you don't see any information about the topic. Since the overall consensus is has been positive, with a few dabbling with BSFL, I will be making a full effort and sharing my findings. I look forward to future responses from any other members.

 

[Michael_H]

Yeah,keep us posted....I've been tryin too find out myself if they're worth the trouble....Meaning get enough too feed the birds on a regular basis....http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwjeADcja-HBmDZOuySOq2Q This guy has a cool outdoor bin with two migration ramps that I'm wanting too build myself....

What have you found....?

 

[Reedgirl20]

I've not tried this yet but have spent several hours researching and it seems here in southern Oregon there has been a lot of success so I'm going to try to start a colony. Will try to update on how this goes.

 

[topgunbobby]

Yeah,keep us posted....I've been tryin too find out myself if they're worth the trouble....Meaning get enough too feed the birds on a regular basis....http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwjeADcja-HBmDZOuySOq2Q This guy has a cool outdoor bin with two migration ramps that I'm wanting too build myself....

What have you found....?

Well, YouTube is my goto for hands on type learning. That guy's channel has the exact layout for the outdoor setup I desire with some very minor modifications (namely addittion of a thermometer, drain and a little difference in ramp design). I would like to make the process as autonomous as possible. With his setup he gets anywhere from one pound to seven per day with an average of three pounds YMMV. As an added benefit you have compost, too.

For raising quail as livestock:

Suggested feed for BSFL are but not limited to: quail dung, quail entrails, most vegetable and fruit scraps, grain-fed livestock dung (i.e. rabbit, horse, cow, etc.), any fresh grain-fed livestock process byproduct to exclude feathers (supposedly not consumable), fish

Not recommended for feeding quail for microorganism concerns, but alternative sources:
Carrion, (yes) human waste, pet waste, etc.

BSFL Growers state that adding the right amount of scraps takes a little time and supervision. There are simple rules, like compost should be relatively dry (aerobic activity, not anaerobic) and it should not stink like rotten food. Extremely straightforward and as easy as taking out the trash.

I don't care for this bucket design for a few reasons: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/553203/black-soldier-fly-farming
Here is a good starting point for reading: http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=87501#Post87501
Here is a publication on how a crude protein diet benefits quail: http://www.scopemed.org/fulltextpdf.php?mno=22034

 

[James the Bald]

Topgun, just out of curiosity, is BSFL easily obtainable? I know I can start my own meal worm farm with a visit to a pet shop that sells live ones, but I've never seen a BSF in my neck of the woods... if I have, I didn't realize it. On one of the links you posted, it seems like they "just showed up", but with my luck, I'd get stink bugs or everything but those larvae. As for live food, my wife walked outside the othernight and brought in 2 earthworms, and my quail seemed pretty dis-interested in them. I'm going to wait till another week or so before I try to offer them live foods.

By the way, major KUDOs for doing lots of research before raising quail; I've been a member here for 4 months and after my first hatch resulted in two 28 day old Texas A&M quail, and it's been my experience that... um, well, let's just say, "Welcome to the Quail forum in BYC, and keep up the good work"!

By the way, did you attend NFWS?

 

[topgunbobby]

No, I am not a fighter pilot (sadly), though I am at heart. Grew up wanting nothing more than to become one. I can still quote Top Gun from memory, though.

Anyways, to answer your question. You can buy them here and here. They are native to the US and you can attract them naturally by starting with used coffee grounds. They are really attracted to that. If you don't start with your own larvae, you will initial attract several fly species, but as the BSF colony gets established, it will produce pheromones to ward off other flies, as well as eat their larvae.

I will probably buy mine and see how the quail like it, then breed the rest. I would be interested greatly to hear from any one who decides to feed them.

 

[Pancholoco]

Look here.