How to Use Mealworms and BSFL to Boost Egg Production in Your Flock
Nothing beats the thrill of collecting fresh eggs from your backyard flock—except maybe collecting more of them! If your hens have slowed down or you just want to give their egg-laying a little nudge, dried mealworms and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae might be your secret weapon. At pickyneb.com, we’ve seen how these treats can turn your coop into an egg factory while keeping your chickens healthy and happy. Let’s explore how to use them right to boost egg production in your flock.
Why Egg Production Depends on Nutrition
Laying an egg is no small feat—it’s like a daily workout for your hens! To keep up, they need the right fuel:
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Protein: Eggs are mostly protein, so hens need 16-18% in their diet to crank them out consistently.
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Calcium: Strong eggshells demand calcium, especially as hens age or lay more frequently.
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Energy: Fat and carbs give them the stamina to lay day after day.
A dip in any of these can mean fewer eggs or weaker shells. That’s where mealworms and BSF larvae come in—they’re like a nutritional power-up for your flock. Want the science behind it? Dive into The Role of Protein in Chicken Diets: Why Mealworms and BSFL Matter for the full scoop!
Mealworms: The Egg-Laying Energizer
Dried mealworms are a flock favorite for a reason:
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Protein Boost: With 50-53% protein, they help hens rebuild the reserves they lose with each egg.
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Fat Kick: At 25-30% fat, mealworms provide energy to keep your girls going, especially in winter or during molting. Need more cold-weather tips? Check out Seasonal Care Tips for Backyard Chickens for year-round flock care!
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Happy Hens: Chickens adore mealworms, and a little joy can reduce stress—a big egg-laying killer.
Sprinkle a handful as a treat, and watch your hens perk up—and their egg output too.
BSF Larvae: The Eggshell Strengthener
Black Soldier Fly larvae bring their own magic to the coop:
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Solid Protein: At 40-45%, they’re a bit leaner but still pack a protein punch for egg production.
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Calcium Superstar: With 5-8% calcium (way more than mealworms), BSFL help hens lay eggs with shells you could bounce—perfect for older hens or heavy layers.
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Natural Balance: Their lower fat (15-20%) keeps energy steady without overloading.
BSF larvae are like a multivitamin for laying hens, supporting both the egg and the shell. Still picking between the two? See The Nutritional Benefits of Mealworms vs. BSF Larvae for Chickens and Wild Birds for the ultimate comparison!
How to Feed for More Eggs
Here’s how to use mealworms and BSFL to get those eggs rolling:
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Start Small: Offer 1-2 teaspoons per hen daily (about 10% of their diet) alongside their regular feed. Too much can throw off their balance.
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Time It Right: Toss treats in the morning to kickstart their day or late afternoon as a reward—happy hens lay better.
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Mix It Up: Alternate between mealworms and BSFL, or blend them for protein and calcium. A combo keeps things interesting and covers all bases.
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Watch the Coop: More eggs might show up in a week or two—especially if your hens were lacking protein or calcium before.
When to Ramp Up
Boost treat amounts slightly (up to 20 grams per hen) during:
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Molting: Extra protein rebuilds feathers fast, freeing energy for eggs.
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Winter: More fat and protein offset shorter days and cold snaps.
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New Layers: Young hens starting out need a nutritional nudge.
Troubleshooting Egg Slumps
If eggs still lag, check for stress, light (hens need 14-16 hours daily), or age—older hens naturally slow down. Mealworms and BSFL can help, but they’re not miracle workers. Pair them with a solid layer feed for best results.
A Sustainable Twist
Want to take it further? Grow your own worms to supplement your flock’s treats. Curious how? Learn the ropes with How to Start a Worm Farm at Home to Feed Your Chickens—it’s easier than you’d think! In the meantime, pickyneb.com’s premium dried mealworms and BSFL are here to keep your hens laying strong.
The Pickyneb Promise
Our dried mealworms and BSF larvae are top-notch, sourced to give your flock the nutrition they need to shine. More eggs, healthier hens, and a happier you—that’s what we’re all about.
Ready to see more eggs in your basket? Try these treats and tell us in the comments how your flock responds—we’d love to hear your egg-citing results!
