Forum:

chickens

Chicken study on black fly larvae

Kristine Keeney

gardener

Posts: 703

Location: South-southeast Texas, technically the "Golden Crescent", zone 9a

519

I like...

posted 1 month ago

8
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579126000544
This is a study on black fly larvae and their effect on Salmonella in chickens. From what I've read, it indicates that, while the effect of living black fly larvae to suppress the presence of Salmonella in chickens is known, there seems to be evidence that the same effect extends to *dried* larvae. So, those of us who don't yet raise our own larvae, or who do so seasonally, can reap the benefits of feeding them to our flock dried for long-term storage.

Anything that makes it easier not to develop horrible infections is a good thing!
I hope y'all are as excited about the possibilities as I am!

There is nothing so bad that politics cannot make it worse. - Thomas Sowell
Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom. - Albert Einstein

Timothy Norton

Steward of piddlers

Posts: 7449

Location: Upstate New York, Zone 5b, 43 inch Avg. Rainfall

4085

I like...

posted 1 month ago

4
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

What an unexpected benefit!

I was already excited by the idea of the fly larvae being a source for both high protein and calcium, but now there might be some medical value? I'm hoping we see more information come out with more research.

For the folks who do feed the larvae, how much do they feed? At first glance, I would consider it a treat?

- Tim's Homestead Journal - Purchase a copy of Building a Better World in Your Backyard - Purchase 6 Decks of Permaculture Cards -
- Purchase 12x Decks of Permaculture Cards - Purchase a copy of the SKIP Book - Purchase 12x copies of Building a Better World in your Backyard

PEP - BB60 Badge (verified skill)
Skill verified by gir bot

Kristine Keeney

gardener

Posts: 703

Location: South-southeast Texas, technically the "Golden Crescent", zone 9a

519

I like...

posted 1 month ago

3
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Yeah, I think it's mostly used as a treat, but I have seen some homemade feed "recipes" that call for certain amounts. I'm not sure how good it is as a major source of protein.

It's nice to know that roadkill/compost gone wrong could help create something that helps with calcium, protein levels, as well as possible other things.

There is nothing so bad that politics cannot make it worse. - Thomas Sowell
Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom. - Albert Einstein

Jay Angler

master steward

Posts: 15006

Location: Pacific Wet Coast

9340

I like...

posted 1 month ago

3
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

I've read good news about these larvae for years, but I'm just a bit too far north for growing them. It would take a greenhouse and extra lights, which is still just a dream.

That said, I know if I had a cheap easy source of live ones, my chickens would be thrilled!

Visit Redhawk's soil series: https://permies.com/wiki/redhawk-soil
How permies.com works: https://permies.com/wiki/34193/permies-works-links-threads

oddball - sand badge (verified skill)
Skill verified by Mike Haasl

textiles - air badge (verified skill)
Skill verified by Mike Haasl

dimensional lumber woodworking - air badge (verified skill)
Skill verified by jordan barton

Food Prep and Preservation - air badge (verified skill)
Skill verified by Leigh Tate

greywater and willow feeders - air badge (verified skill)
Skill verified by Leigh Tate

Jen Fulkerson

gardener

Posts: 1977

Location: N. California

983

I like...

posted 1 month ago

6
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

I made a bin, It was easy, it worked, and I just couldn't do it. Adding scraps which you have to do very often, is disgusting. I tried to turn my mind off, not think about it. I just couldn't do it. It's a bummer I'm so squeamish, I really wanted to eliminate buying bsf. My hat is off to all you who can do it.

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” — Abraham Lincoln

Did you ever grow anything in the garden of your mind? - Fred Rogers. Tiny ad:

11 Podcast Review of Botany in a Day by Thomas Elpel

https://permies.com/wiki/24823/Podcast-Review-Botany-Day-Thomas