Discover top dried bug treats that support strong eggs, healthy feathers, and robust growth for backyard flocks. This guide highlights five well-regarded options, each designed to deliver high protein, essential minerals, and natural flavor that chickens love. Use these as occasional treats or as a protein boost during molting or changing seasons. Below you’ll find quick product summaries and a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right insect-based snacks for your flock.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Fluker’s Culinary Coop Premium Chicken Treats, Dried Insect Trail Mix, 20 oz | Fluker’s | Variety of insects; 100% natural; rich in protein, calcium, and Omega 3 |
| Fluker’s Culinary Coop Premium Chicken Treats, Dried Soldier Worms, 16 oz | Fluker’s | High-quality grub worms; protein, calcium; supports egg production |
| Joyprotyn 5LB Non-GMO Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae | Joyprotyn | 85x more calcium than mealworms; high protein; sustainable |
| hatortpet Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae 10LB | hatortpet | Non-GMO; 85x calcium; high protein; natural and sustainable |
| Exotic Nutrition Beetle Craze Chicken Feed | Exotic Nutrition | Natural dried beetles; gut-loaded; nutrient-rich |
Note: The table above is a quick reference. Detailed product sections follow with official product features and links to purchase.
Fluker’s Culinary Coop Premium Insect Trail Mix Treat
The Fluker’s insect trail mix blends a variety of dried insects into a single convenient treat. This mix provides a balanced protein source and includes a mix of edible critters that chickens typically enjoy. The formulation emphasizes natural ingredients designed to support healthy egg laying, thanks to protein, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. This product is suitable as a supplemental snack to a balanced flock diet, appealing to chickens’ appetite while contributing essential nutrients.
Features to consider:
– 100% natural ingredients
– Rich in protein and calcium
– Includes omega-3 fatty acids for egg health
– Convenient for daily feeding or for use as a training treat
Fluker’s Dried Soldier Worms Chicken Treats
Soldier fly larvae (soldier worms) are a popular protein-rich option for chickens. This product emphasizes premium quality, delivering essential nutrients like protein and calcium to support egg production and overall health. It’s designed for laying hens and can be fed as a regular snack or used to entice birds during training. Regular consumption is associated with healthy growth and better egg quality when paired with a balanced diet.
Key considerations:
– High protein source
– Rich in calcium
– Supports healthy egg production
– Suitable for backyard flocks and reptiles in some cases
Joyprotyn 5LB Non-GMO Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Joyprotyn provides dried black soldier fly larvae with an emphasis on calcium and protein. Claimed to offer 85x more calcium than mealworms, this product targets stronger eggshells and robust growth. The high protein content (about 43%) supports muscle and feather development, making it a strong option during molting or periods of increased nutritional demand. Production stresses sustainability through plant-based feeds and eco-friendly practices.
What to evaluate:
– High calcium content for egg strength
– High protein for growth and feathering
– Sustainable production methods
– Non-GMO and natural ingredients
hatortpet Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae 10LB
Hatortpet’s dried BSFL are presented as a non-GMO, pure natural treat with a focus on calcium and protein. They emphasize sustainability, with larvae raised on organic diets, making this option attractive for environmentally conscious buyers. The relatively high calcium content is positioned to support eggshell integrity, while the protein level supports growth and molting. Suitable for chickens, wild birds, and other small pets, depending on feeding plans.
Important aspects:
– 85x more calcium than mealworms
– High protein content (around 45%)
– Non-GMO and natural
– Environment-friendly production
Exotic Nutrition Beetle Craze Chicken Feed
Beetle Craze provides a natural alternative to mealworms with dried beetles. The product emphasizes gut-loading and sun-drying to preserve nutritional value, offering a nutritious protein source that supports healthy growth and egg production. This option is well-suited for flocks needing variety in their diet while avoiding antibiotics or artificial additives. Be mindful of introducing new protein sources gradually to prevent digestive upset.
Key points:
– 100% natural and GMO-free
– Gut-loaded beetles for nutrition
– No added preservatives or artificial ingredients
– Suitable as a protein-rich supplement
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations For Dried Insect Treats
When selecting dried insect treats for chickens, consider these factors to ensure health benefits and practicality for your flock.
- Nutrient balance: Look for products rich in protein and calcium. Calcium supports eggshell strength, while protein aids in growth, feathering, and molting recovery.
- Calcium content: Some products claim significantly higher calcium levels (e.g., 85x that of mealworms). Assess whether your flock needs an extra calcium boost, especially during peak laying.
- Protein percentage: Higher protein is beneficial during molting or growth phases. Compare protein content across products to match your birds’ life stage.
- GMO and additive considerations: Non-GMO and natural ingredients are preferable for flock health and consumer preferences.
- Production practices: Sustainable farming and organic diets for larvae are appealing for eco-conscious owners and can influence long-term health.
- Feeding role: Treats should complement a balanced diet. Use insect snacks as occasional rewards, training aids, or seasonal supplements rather than primary feed.
- Digestibility: Some larvae are easier for birds to digest. If your flock has sensitive digestion, start with smaller portions and observe response.
- Flavors and variety: A mix of insects can prevent dietary boredom and provide a broader range of nutrients, contributing to overall wellbeing.
- Size and packaging: Consider bag size versus flock size. Bulk options may be cost-effective for larger flocks but require proper storage to maintain freshness.
In summary, dried insect treats offer a protein- and mineral-rich option for supporting egg production, growth, and molt recovery. Choose a product that aligns with your flock’s life stage, dietary needs, and environmental preferences, and always introduce new treats gradually.