What Are The Best Insects For Chickens?

While any of the bugs raised by the Wind River Bug Ranch are healthy treats for chickens, some stand out among the rest. Here is a breakdown of the best choices of insects for your flock of happy flappers.

Mealworms – These have been a favorite of backyard chickens for years! High in protein and healthy fats, everything that eats insects seem to love mealworms.They are also easy to raise at home, for those that enjoy DIY projects. Mealworms are not actually worms, but are the larvae of a small black beetle, the darkling
beetle. The beetles and the intermediate stage, called pupae, are also excellent treats, being even higher in protein than the larvae. The only downside to mealworms is that they are low in calcium, so make sure your girls have access to oyster shell or another quality calcium source. Include something about not ever using wheat bran, and why.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae – These are the rising star among chicken treats! They are rich in protein and healthy fats, including a fat called lauric acid, which has been shown to boost immunity to diseases. They are also very high in calcium. The intermediate stage of the black soldier fly, called pupae, are the highest in nutrients for your birds. BSFL are particularly appreciated by chickens in the Wintertime, when their high fat content is needed most.

Crickets – The most entertaining insects to feed your flock might just be crickets! Mealworms and BSFL wiggle and squirm in enticing ways, but crickets crawl, hop scamper and jump, driving chickens wild! High in protein like mealworms and BSFL, crickets are lower in fat, making them a perfect Summertime option. More expensive than the first two insects on this list, but worth it for an occasional treat,and perfect for bringing out the hunter in your little dinosaurs!

Dubias – These have become the #1 reptile feeder among serious hobbyists, for a multitude of reasons. They are less commonly used for chickens, however, as they are slow-growing and more expensive to produce than most other feeder bugs. However, we sometimes have retired breeders and excess adult males available at
a discount. These are high in protein, have moderate levels of fat, and are decent sources of calcium. Big and juicy, chickens love dubias!

Superworms – These are a giant species of mealworm, reaching two inches in length. They are about 5 times heavier than mealworms. They contain less calcium than mealworms, and more fat. Since the smaller mealworms offer more opportunity to hunt and peck for a larger number of insects, the mealworms provide more enrichment and fun than the big superworms.

Wild Insects – Grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and ants from the wild are among the healthiest insects for your chickens to enjoy. However, these are only available to your flock during the warmer months, and even then are often in low numbers in our backyard environments. Make use of wild insects when you can, but count on
the Wind River Bug Ranch to fill in the gaps.