The Science and Benefits of Black Soldier Fly Larvae & Calciworms for Poultry, Game Birds, and Wild Birds
Across the UK, England, Scotland, Wales, the US, and Western Europe, more and more poultry keepers, game estates, and wild bird enthusiasts are turning to Black Soldier Fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) as a natural, sustainable alternative to conventional feeds. At Wildwyn, we specialise in dried black soldier fly larvae — also known as calciworms — because the science is clear: they provide superior nutrition for poultry, pheasants, game birds, and wild birds compared to traditional feeds like mealworms or soy.
What Are Black Soldier Fly Larvae?
The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) is nature’s recycler. Its larvae upcycle fruit and vegetable by-products into nutrient-rich protein, oil, and frass. Once dried, these larvae — often marketed as calciworms — are a powerful feed ingredient for birds. Unlike mealworms, BSF larvae are exceptionally rich in digestible calcium. They also contain around 40% protein, 30% healthy fats, and essential amino acids that birds instinctively crave.
Benefits for Poultry and Laying Hens
For backyard poultry owners and smallholders in the UK, US, and Europe, dried black soldier fly larvae are more than just a treat — they’re a scientifically proven sustainable poultry feed supplement.
Key benefits for poultry include:
Stronger eggshells – thanks to calcium levels up to 3x higher than mealworms.
Healthier hens – with antimicrobial peptides and medium-chain fatty acids that support gut health and immunity.
Richer yolk colour – β-carotenoids naturally present in BSF larvae enhance yolk pigmentation and antioxidant stability.
Instinctive diet – chickens are natural insect foragers; calciworms replicate what hens would eat in the wild.
By adding calciworms to their diet, poultry owners across England, Wales, and Scotland can boost egg quality while giving birds a natural nutritional edge.
Benefits for Pheasants and Game Birds
On estates and shoots across the UK and Western Europe, gamekeepers are seeking healthier, traceable alternatives to traditional pheasant feed and game bird feed. BSF larvae provide a premium solution:
Bone development – high calcium levels support skeletal strength in rearing pens.
Feather quality – protein-rich diets encourage vibrant, healthy plumage.
Survival and vitality – natural oils and fats improve energy for free-ranging game birds.
Eco-friendly estates – using BSF products demonstrates sustainable land stewardship to clients and guests.
For pheasants, partridges, and other game birds, BSF larvae are a cost-effective, sustainable feed ingredient that improves both welfare and performance.
Benefits for Wild Birds
In gardens across the UK, US, and Western Europe, feeding wild birds is more popular than ever. Yet many seed mixes lack the protein and calcium that birds need for breeding, moulting, and surviving harsh winters.
Why wild birds thrive on calciworms:
High-protein insect feed – supports growth and recovery during demanding seasons.
Calcium boost – essential for strong bones and eggshells.
Natural appeal – robins, finches, tits, and blackbirds instinctively recognise dried BSF larvae as food.
Attracts diversity – adding calciworms to feeders encourages a wider range of bird species.
By choosing calcium-rich wild bird feed like dried black soldier fly larvae, bird lovers in England, Scotland, Wales, and Europe can support biodiversity while reducing reliance on imported soy and peanuts.
The Science Behind Hermetia illucens
Researchers worldwide have confirmed the unique properties of Hermetia illucens larvae:
Protein powerhouse – ~40% digestible protein for muscle, feather, and egg development.
Functional fats – medium-chain fatty acids improve gut health and disease resistance.
Natural antimicrobials – peptides that enhance immunity in birds.
High calcium – 2–3x more than mealworms, making them ideal for egg-laying poultry and growing birds.
This scientific profile makes BSF larvae one of the most promising innovations in insects as food and feed.
Part of the Circular Economy
BSF farming is not just about better bird feed — it’s about sustainability. The larvae recycle food by-products into valuable nutrition, cutting waste and reducing carbon emissions. Compared to soy or fishmeal, black soldier fly larvae are far more eco-friendly, traceable, and resource-efficient.When you choose BSF products from Wildwyn, you’re not only supporting your birds — you’re supporting the circular economy and a more sustainable future for farming, gardening, and wildlife.
Why Choose Wildwyn?
Wildwyn is committed to making black soldier fly larvae, calciworms, and insect frass accessible across the UK, US, and Western Europe. Whether you’re a backyard poultry keeper, a game estate, or a gardener feeding wild birds, we provide premium products backed by science and sustainability. Our brands — Nest & Meadow (poultry and game birds), Brook & Hollow (wild birds and ornamental fish), and Root & Rise (soil and garden health) — ensure that every customer can benefit from the incredible versatility of black soldier fly products.
Final Word
From sustainable poultry feed in England and Wales, to game bird feed in Scotland and Europe, to wild bird feed in the US and beyond, the science is clear: dried black soldier fly larvae (calciworms) offer unmatched nutritional benefits. Discover the Wildwyn difference — powered by Hermetia illucens, calciworms, and insect frass — and join the movement toward healthier birds, stronger soils, and a greener planet.
