I've noticed several people raise smelly, nasty, cannibalistic meal worms and crickets for their chickens . . . can you tell I'm not a fan? I tried to be subtle
I was wondering how many people were aware of roaches as food treats for chickens? I know, I know . . . when my guy first mentioned getting roaches, I was absolutely horrified. But after a few years of raising them, and the blessing of being able to do away with the other two bugs, I've been thrilled at his foresight.
We keep three kinds of roaches; lobsters, false death heads, and goldies. Other than when I am actively disturbing them, the roaches don't produce any smell (when I disturb them, they produce it as a form of defense, but I find it is much less offensive smelling than crickets). They require very little to eat and drink, and I never had to worry about them dying in mass when I'm on vacation like I did with the meal worms and crickets. Thousands can be raised in a ten gallon container, provided there is adequate ventilation and egg crate to run around on, and a simple smear line of vaseline ensures there are no escapees whenever you need to grab a handful. They don't even require any dirt or vermiculite to lay eggs in, like crickets, because they don't lay eggs.
I know as I type this many people will be picturing the horrid american cockroach everyone knows and hates, but I can assure you that these species will not attract our native roach to your homes, and they can't cause an infestation in your house (or outside of it) because they are not suited to the environment. On that last point I can't speak for Florida, as everything seems to thrive there
I know the ookiness factor can be a big deterrent, but I just thought I'd put this out there in case anyone was interested. Looking back, I know I would have never believed anyone had they told me one day I would be happy to be harboring roaches in my home! I just know they are alot less work than other feeder insects I've dealt with, they involve almost no mess (I can't remember the last time I had to clean out a roach container), and our chickens love them.
I was wondering how many people were aware of roaches as food treats for chickens? I know, I know . . . when my guy first mentioned getting roaches, I was absolutely horrified. But after a few years of raising them, and the blessing of being able to do away with the other two bugs, I've been thrilled at his foresight.
We keep three kinds of roaches; lobsters, false death heads, and goldies. Other than when I am actively disturbing them, the roaches don't produce any smell (when I disturb them, they produce it as a form of defense, but I find it is much less offensive smelling than crickets). They require very little to eat and drink, and I never had to worry about them dying in mass when I'm on vacation like I did with the meal worms and crickets. Thousands can be raised in a ten gallon container, provided there is adequate ventilation and egg crate to run around on, and a simple smear line of vaseline ensures there are no escapees whenever you need to grab a handful. They don't even require any dirt or vermiculite to lay eggs in, like crickets, because they don't lay eggs.
I know as I type this many people will be picturing the horrid american cockroach everyone knows and hates, but I can assure you that these species will not attract our native roach to your homes, and they can't cause an infestation in your house (or outside of it) because they are not suited to the environment. On that last point I can't speak for Florida, as everything seems to thrive there
I know the ookiness factor can be a big deterrent, but I just thought I'd put this out there in case anyone was interested. Looking back, I know I would have never believed anyone had they told me one day I would be happy to be harboring roaches in my home! I just know they are alot less work than other feeder insects I've dealt with, they involve almost no mess (I can't remember the last time I had to clean out a roach container), and our chickens love them.
