Black Soldier Fly Larvae as Poultry Feed

Protein (the nutrient that builds muscle and growth) is the most expensive part of any poultry feed mix — and that's exactly where black soldier fly (BSF) larvae shine. They're a high-protein feed ingredient you can produce on-farm from waste, cutting your feed bill while improving bird health.

1. Why BSF larvae?

• High protein — dried larvae can be 40%+ protein.
• Cheap to produce — larvae feed on kitchen scraps and organic waste.
• Natural feed — chickens love them, and they fit a natural diet.
• Sustainable — they turn waste into feed and cut down on the waste you have to get rid of.

2. Using them in the ration

Larvae work best as an extra source of protein, not the whole feed mix. You can feed fresh larvae as a treat, or dry and grind them to replace part of the fishmeal or soybean (both protein-rich feed ingredients) in a mixed feed. Balance the rest of the feed mix for energy and minerals — see our feed formulation guide.

3. Getting started

• Set up a small, shaded bin with a drainage and a way for mature larvae to crawl out.
• Add a starting batch of larvae and feed them clean organic waste.
• Keep it moist but not waterlogged, and avoid meat or oily waste that rots badly.
• Harvest larvae regularly before they turn to flies.

Start small and learn the routine before growing bigger — BSF farming is simple but needs to be done regularly.

For the basics, read the livestock nutrition guide and see how fermented feed can work alongside it.