How to Raise Maggots for Chickens

Keeping chickens on a proper diet, increases health, and egg production.

Poultry farmers are always looking for ways to provide their chickens with the best diet they possibly can. Chickens are generally raised to be sold for food, or are raised to produce eggs. Either way, the farmers want their chickens to receive proper care. Including high-protein maggots in a chicken's diet may boost egg production.

Things You'll Need

• 5- to 7-gallon food-grade bucket
• Electric powered drill
• 3/8-inch drill bit
• Dead animal carcass
• Heavy duty wire

Instructions

1. Clean bucket, ensuring there is no residue on the inside. Use clean, soap-free water to complete the cleaning process. Soap or other detergents could affect the maggot production.

2. Insert drill bit into drill, and begin drilling 3/8-inch holes around the sides and on the lid of the bucket. These holes will allow for flies to enter and exit freely, without having to worry about birds pecking and stealing the maggots.

3. Insert the dead animal carcass into the bucket. This carcass can be from any dead animal. The larger the animal the more flesh for maggot larvae to feed off of.

4. Make a loop around the handle of the bucket, using your heavy duty wire. This will allow for the bucket to be suspended from a tree or the rafters of an outdoor fixture.

5. Suspend the bucket from a tree or outdoor fixture. The bucket must be suspended for best results. This will keep other insects away, and will allow for the best maggot production.

Tips & Warnings

• The maggot diet is beneficial for chickens, however sickness such as botulism poisoning has been documented.

References

• The Modern Homestead: Breeding Fly Maggots for Poultry Feed
• Body Bytes: Maggots