black soldier fly larvae

[Larry T]

Any one know where I can buy some black soldier fly larvae. I have not been able to attract any so far.

[Greg]

I can't answer your question, but have one of my own; Are the larvae for producing your own chicken feed? If so I am also interested in this. Good luck!

[MarkP]

I hope it is just coincidence that the "Black Soldier Fly Larvae" thread and the "Holiday Meal Planning" thread are right next to each other.

[Larry T]

Yes, I hope to use them for chicken feed. And no not for the holidays.
I tried to buy them on the mainland but they would ship them USDA dip.

[Greg]

Larry, Try Dragonseye Learning Center in Kapoho. They feature permaculture workshops, aquaponics, and organic chicken farming with black fly larvae.. They have a free tour the first Sunday of every month. More information HERE

[MarkP]

I have seen large white grublike maggots on piles of manure that I have brought in for compost. Might they be BSF larvae?

[Larry T]

Here is a good look at them. If they fit this can I get some??

The black soldier fly larva is plump, slightly flattened, with a tiny, yellowish to black head. The skin is tough and leathery. Creamy white and about 1.8 mm long when newly hatched, the larva develops through six instars, the last of which is reddish-brown. The mature larva is about 18 mm long and 6 mm wide, although some individuals may be as long as 27 mm

[Larry T]

Has any one tried this and it did not work or has no one tried to feed chickens with them?
It sounded like a good idea to me.

[terracore]

I read that such food raises the cholesterol in the eggs. Is it true?

[Larry T]

I don't know but chickens eat bugs of all types and colors and it seems to make the eggs better tasting.