Insects.

[peeejaay]

Hi Everyone,
I have six lovely hens who I keep in an Eglu Cube with the run extension-still seems a bit small for them to me even though it's supposed to be suitable for up to ten! Anyhoo, I've recently been wondering about cultivating insects of some description to supplement their diet with. I know maggots are not supposed to be a good idea but wondered if anyone has any experience of doing this with any type of insect at all. What would be the best, easiest, quickest breeding type of insect to keep that chicken would like to eat. As always, I have dreams of supplying enough to provide all their protein requirements (lol) but I know this is a pipe dream and was just hoping for ideas to give them an enjoyable supplement. Any ideas gratefully received.
Thanks.
PJ

[Nicos]

We have grasshoppers and crickets (- and unless you get 4" ones, then we also have locusts)

We chuck the bigs one to our chooks and they go mad for them...they sem to think they're yummy!

Not so sure about what to feed them regularly, but my gut feeling is a bit of this and a bit of that for a bit of variety

mine also love mealworm- but they are expensive to buy- but I'm sure they'd be easy to GYO for them.

[Suechooks]

I'm sure I read somewhere about breeding mealworms. Might have been on another forum though.

[Scarlet]

Heres the link for breeding mealworms - its on the rspb website

The RSPB: Advice: Breed your own mealworms

[petal]

You can breed meal worms but I heard somewhere that maggots are not a good idea, all that time sat in the crop etc....

[peeejaay]

Thanks to everyone who replied, I've tried breeding mealworms in the past, several times, all unsuccessful in the long term. Funny isn't it how on natural history programmes we are always told that insects are the most numerous and successful genus on the planet but they are the very bu**er to breed en masse at home, lol. I've also tried a worm farm, also fairly unsuccessful. Thanks anyway, any other thoughts appreciated.
PJ

[Scarlet]

You can breed meal worms but I heard somewhere that maggots are not a good idea, all that time sat in the crop etc....

Maggots aren't a good idea for any bird, your chickens or the bird table, but I believe mealworms are different.

[snakeshack]

locusts and waxworms are easy and prolific,I breed locusts through the summer in an old vivarium for the lizards,but the winter is too cold for the heater in the "shack" and the viv is currently in use as a brooder, if you want details pm me

[DeanzBeanz]

Hi, the book I have recommends setting up a wormery as a source of food supplement for all types of poultry. Apparently they have lots of protein... seems pretty easy and cheap to do so might give it a go myself.