Egg Production Through Fall and Winter: Black Soldier Fly Larvae Can Make a Difference
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As the days grow shorter and the weather cools, many chicken keepers notice a familiar shift: their egg baskets start to feel a little lighter. Fall and winter naturally bring a decline in egg production, not only because of lower light levels but also due to nutritional changes. With the drop in temperatures, chickens expend more energy to stay warm, and the insects they typically forage in warmer months become scarce.
But there’s good news for flock owners—Black Soldier Fly larvae can bridge that nutritional gap, supporting egg production throughout the colder months.
Whether your chickens roam freely in your yard or pasture, or spend more time in a coop, supplementing with black soldier fly larvae is one of the best ways to keep your flock healthy and productive all winter long.
Why Do Chickens Lay Fewer Eggs in Fall and Winter?
Egg production relies on a combination of daylight, protein, and nutrients to keep up with the demands of creating a steady supply of eggs. In the fall and winter, chickens experience:
- Reduced Light Exposure: Chickens need about 14-16 hours of daylight for consistent laying. Shorter days trigger a natural decline in production, as chickens use more of their resources for warmth and feather maintenance.
- Increased Energy Needs: Colder weather means chickens burn more energy to stay warm, which can further deplete their protein and nutrient reserves. Without extra support, chickens often slow down or stop laying entirely to conserve resources.
For Chickens Who Forage and Those Who Don’t
Whether your chickens are free-range or mostly coop-bound, black soldier fly larvae can provide the extra support they need:
- For Free-Ranging Chickens: During spring and summer, chickens enjoy a natural diet rich in insects, plants, and small critters. However, in fall and winter, this source of protein all but disappears. Adding Black Soldier Fly larvae to your flock’s diet mimics the benefits they get from foraging, filling that gap and keeping them healthy and laying regularly, even when nature’s buffet is on pause.
- For Chickens in the Coop: Chickens who are more confined during fall and winter can be especially vulnerable to reduced egg production. Since they rely primarily on feed, adding black soldier fly larvae gives them the protein boost that regular feed alone might not provide. This supplement can make a noticeable difference in their productivity.
How Black Soldier Fly Larvae Improve Egg Production
Black soldier fly larvae are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients that are perfect for the fall and winter months. Here’s why they’re an excellent choice for supporting your flock’s egg production, whether they forage or not:
- High in Protein: Black soldier fly larvae are about 40% protein, which is exactly what chickens need for consistent egg production. While foraging for insects is limited in winter, adding larvae to their diet keeps their protein intake high enough to sustain regular laying.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Healthy fats are important for egg production and overall energy levels. The fats in black soldier fly larvae not only help maintain the internal energy chickens need in colder temperatures but also provide essential fatty acids that support egg quality.
- Calcium-Rich for Stronger Eggshells: Strong eggshells require adequate calcium levels, and black soldier fly larvae naturally contain calcium to support egg production, even during the months when forage is harder to come by.
- Essential Vitamins & Minerals: Black soldier fly larvae are also rich in vital micronutrients such as phosphorus and magnesium, which contribute to better egg formation and overall health.
At Egg Brigade, we’re passionate about offering high-quality, nutritious black soldier fly larvae to help chicken keepers like you support your flocks year-round. Our larvae are carefully processed to preserve their nutrient density, delivering a reliable protein source to keep your hens laying, even through the coldest months.
All Egg Brigade BSFL are American-grown. That means you can trust your Soldier Flies are grown with the highest quality standards to maximize nutrient content.
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