Newb asking about black soldier fly larva BSFL

[Michael_H]

I've read that dried bsfl is 42 % protein and live is 17 % protein..Wonder if this alone would work for feed or a mix with regular feed....?

 

[topgunbobby]

I've read that dried bsfl is 42 % protein and live is 17 % protein..Wonder if this alone would work for feed or a mix with regular feed....?

Do you have a reference for this info? That would be very helpful. If the reduction of protein by weight is a product of water, then I don't see the problem. For beginning, I think mixing it in moderation will present the best option for the quail, then monitor health and wellness in accordance with feedings. That's where the real numbers are important I believe.

 

[TwoCrows]

Any animal protein is going to be a complete protein. In other words, the material will contain the necessary amino acids, fatty acids and other elements to break the protein down into a usable protein. That is the problem with plant proteins. They are not complete. So just because a bag of feed says 26% protein, that does not mean the bird will be able to extract and convert all that into protein. Where as animal protein has all the essential elements to break it down.

Wild new world quail chicks live EXCLUSIVELY on bugs for the first 3 months of their lives. No seeds or any plant material what so ever. And I would not imagine that a variety of bugs is not really necessary. One would do it.

So I would imagine that these types of bugs could occupy a good portion of the diet of a quail and no other types of proteins would be needed. Of course it never hurts to add a variety of foods in general to ones diet so that many nutrients are available.

As for the high protein of these bugs, all bugs are VERY high in protein. So 42% does not seem impossible here.

 

[FarmerJH]

I had no idea about the black soldier flies until I started my compost bin last year. These flies showed up, then I searched and did some reading on them and was pretty excited. Unfortunately, I have since moved. I hope they are interested in my compost pile at the new place too. My chickens went NUTS for their larve.

 

[topgunbobby]

Just wanted to share this blueprint design, as it seems to be exactly what I will be building.

Also, the forum there has lots of good information.

Twocrows, your logic seems sound. Thanks for your input.

 

[Mtn Margie]

Do the BSF have a better food value to them vs. mealworms or are they cheaper/easier to raise?

 

[Chicken-Farmer]

Black soldier flies self migrate when they are done eating and ready to change into adults. This is helpful because we can collect them in a bin. Mealworms on the other hand have to be sorted before they change from pupa into adult beatles. Each species has its pluses and minuses:

Wealworms:
live on bran or oats with the occasional potato piece or carrot for moisture.

The worms dont climb out of the container, not very mobile. Beatles dont fly

Dont create compost to be used in the garden.

Must sort adults from pupa

BSFL:
Very mobile, self migrate into container for collection

Voracious eaters that will consume large amounts of household waste and turn into compost

Adults fly around, but interestingly enough dont have mouths to eat. They just reproduce!

The "container" is a bit more elaborate to keep them, but many free designs can be found online

 

[Michael_H]

Do you have a reference for this info? That would be very helpful. If the reduction of protein by weight is a product of water, then I don't see the problem. For beginning, I think mixing it in moderation will present the best option for the quail, then monitor health and wellness in accordance with feedings. That's where the real numbers are important I believe.

Found online,at first thought it was 42% period,like a lot of people were saying,then found out it was only dried....I really look forward too doing this project myself..Theres always going too be a lot of food waste....Great info here,I had actually forgotten about this thread.....LOL.......Mike

 

[ClintD]

Check out blacksoldierflyblog. They have alot of good info and a forum with helpful experienced people. Im trying bsfl this year. If the weather will ever straighten out a little. 91 yesterday. 29 this morning. Thats nuts.

 

[topgunbobby]

Found online,at first thought it was 42% period,like a lot of people were saying,then found out it was only dried....I really look forward too doing this project myself..Theres always going too be a lot of food waste....Great info here,I had actually forgotten about this thread.....LOL.......Mike

Thanks for the update. I've actually ordered my first batch off eBay. Will be updating soon.