What is the best fly larvae for chickens?

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are the best fly larvae for chickens because they contain roughly 85x more calcium than dried mealworms — calcium that's immediately usable thanks to a favorable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

Dried black soldier fly larvae deliver 36–42% protein and 2–5% calcium per gram, making them a meaningfully more nutritious treat than the mealworms most keepers default to. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in BSFL is the key detail — calcium requires adequate phosphorus to absorb properly, and mealworms are high in phosphorus without the calcium to match. BSFL provide both in proportion, which is why keepers report thicker eggshells and better feather regrowth during molt after switching.

• BSFL calcium content: 2–5% per gram — approximately 85x more than dried mealworms.
• BSFL protein content: 36–42%, supporting feather regrowth since feathers are roughly 90% protein.
• Recommended feeding rate for BSFL: 5–10% of daily diet, roughly 0.5–1 oz per hen per day.
• BSFL contain lauric acid, a fatty acid with antimicrobial properties not present in dried mealworms.
• Dried BSFL are shelf-stable with no refrigeration required, unlike live or freeze-dried mealworm alternatives.