
Grubbly Farms Black Soldier Fly Larvae: The Ultimate Healthy Treat for Happy Chickens
I’ve been raising chickens for over a decade, and finding treats that are both nutritious and sustainable has always been a challenge. That’s until I discovered Grubbly Farms Grubblies on Chewy. With a staggering 50 times more calcium than traditional mealworms, these black soldier fly larvae treats have transformed my flock’s health and egg production. My Orpingtons literally come running when they hear the bag crinkle! But what makes these particular insect treats so special, and why are they flying off Chewy’s virtual shelves? Let’s explore what sets Grubbly Farms apart in the world of poultry nutrition.
What Are Grubbly Farms Black Soldier Fly Larvae Treats?
Grubbly Farms Grubblies World Harvest offers a premium, specialized nutrition source for backyard flocks. These treats consist of 100% oven-dried black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) with absolutely no additives, fillers, or artificial ingredients. Poultry owners can purchase these treats in convenient 16 oz bags for regular use or opt for the 5 lb bulk option when available on Chewy for larger flocks or to stock up.
The production process emphasizes sustainability and quality, with all larvae sourced exclusively from FDA-approved farms worldwide. Notably, no ingredients originate from China, addressing common consumer concerns about food safety. The careful oven-drying process preserves the treats’ nutritional profile while ensuring they remain safe and shelf-stable.
What sets these treats apart is their clean ingredient profile. The black soldier fly larvae are raised on a natural diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains, maintaining their GMO-free status. Additionally, all farming and processing practices meet or exceed rigorous EU standards for insect farming, guaranteeing consistent quality and nutritional integrity.
Nutritional Powerhouse: What’s Inside Grubbly Farms Treats
The nutritional composition of Grubbly Farms treats provides a comprehensive package of essential nutrients specifically beneficial for poultry:
Protein forms the cornerstone of these treats with a minimum crude protein content of 34%, significantly supporting muscle development and feather growth. This makes them particularly valuable during growth phases and molting periods when protein demands increase substantially.
The 26% minimum crude fat content delivers concentrated energy for active birds, helping maintain body temperature and supporting overall vitality. This balanced protein-to-fat ratio creates an ideal nutritional profile for supplemental feeding.
Perhaps most impressive is the calcium content—ranging from 1.0% minimum to 1.5% maximum—providing approximately 50 times more calcium than traditional mealworms. This naturally occurring calcium directly contributes to stronger eggshells and improved overall skeletal health.
The nutritional benefits extend to essential amino acids, with a guaranteed minimum of 0.5% lysine, a critical building block for protein synthesis in birds. The moderate fiber content (maximum 10%) supports digestive health without interfering with nutrient absorption.
With a caloric density of 4050 kcal/kg and low moisture content (maximum 10%), these treats deliver concentrated nutrition while maintaining freshness and extended shelf life.
Benefits for Your Flock: Why Chickens Love Grubblies
The exceptional calcium content in Grubbly Farms treats directly translates to noticeably stronger eggshells, potentially reducing breakage and improving overall egg quality. This calcium advantage makes these treats particularly valuable for productive laying hens.
During the challenging molting period, the high-quality protein and balanced nutrient profile accelerate feather regrowth and recovery, helping birds return to optimal condition more quickly. The treats’ appetizing nature ensures birds maintain adequate nutrition even during periods of reduced appetite.
Beyond nutritional benefits, these treats create natural enrichment opportunities. When scattered, they stimulate innate foraging behaviors, reducing boredom and associated negative behaviors like feather pecking. Many flock keepers utilize Grubblies as effective training tools, establishing positive associations for coop recall and easier handling.
From a sustainability perspective, these treats provide an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional protein sources like fishmeal, which often contributes to overfishing and marine ecosystem disruption. The complete nutritional package comes without synthetic additives or preservatives, aligning with natural feeding practices.
Versatility adds further value, as these treats suit various poultry species including chickens, ducks, turkeys, and quail, making them ideal for mixed flocks.
How to Feed Grubbly Farms Treats to Your Birds
Feeding recommendations vary based on bird age and development stage. For chicks at least three weeks old, small pinches offered daily support proper development without overwhelming their digestive systems. This early introduction helps establish healthy eating patterns and supports critical growth phases.
Adult chickens benefit from one to two handfuls daily, with increased portions during high-demand periods like molting. This flexible feeding approach allows flock keepers to adjust amounts based on observation and specific needs.
To maximize the enrichment benefits, scattering treats on the ground encourages natural pecking and scratching behaviors. Alternatively, hand-feeding builds trust and strengthens the bond between birds and caretakers, potentially making flock management easier.
For typical usage patterns, a 16 oz bag provides approximately one month of treats for a small flock of five chickens when fed as recommended. The treats integrate easily with existing feeding routines—mixed with regular feed or offered as standalone rewards.
Proper storage remains straightforward: keep the bag tightly sealed between uses and store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and nutritional integrity for maximum shelf life.
Price Comparison and Value Analysis
The standard 16 oz bag currently retails for approximately $17.99 on Chewy, positioning these treats in the premium supplement category. For larger flocks, the 5 lb bulk option offers improved value when available, reducing the per-ounce cost substantially.
While the initial price point may appear higher than some conventional treats, a proper value analysis must consider the exceptional nutritional density. The concentrated protein, fat, and calcium content deliver more nutritional benefit per serving than many alternatives, creating competitive value despite premium pricing.
Cost-conscious flock keepers can utilize Chewy’s Subscribe & Save options to reduce recurring expenses while ensuring consistent supply. The potential long-term economic benefits extend beyond direct feed costs—improved shell strength may reduce egg breakage, while enhanced overall health could decrease veterinary expenses.
The premium pricing reflects both the sustainable farming practices and the exceptional nutritional profile. Periodic promotions through Chewy provide opportunities for additional savings, making these treats more accessible to budget-conscious flock owners without compromising on quality.
What Flock Owners Are Saying
Customer feedback consistently highlights exceptional satisfaction with Grubbly Farms treats, maintaining an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from verified Chewy purchasers. This remarkably high rating demonstrates consistent product quality and customer satisfaction.
Numerous reviews emphasize the enthusiastic response from chickens, with many owners reporting their birds come running at the mere sound of the package. This palatability ensures the nutritional benefits are fully realized, as even picky eaters readily consume the treats.
Tangible improvements appear frequently in customer feedback, particularly regarding egg quality and shell strength. Many users specifically note fewer broken eggs and more consistent shell formation after incorporating these treats into their regular feeding program.
The practical aspects receive positive attention as well, with users appreciating the clean, less dusty nature of the product compared to some alternatives, along with its stability during storage. Molting birds appear to benefit significantly, with multiple reviews mentioning faster recovery and improved feather condition.
A minor theme in some reviews concerns package labeling regarding country of origin, though this appears to reflect changes in the product’s global sourcing rather than quality concerns. Most importantly, the high repurchase intent expressed by reviewers indicates sustained satisfaction beyond initial impressions.
The Smart Choice for Your Coop
After watching my chickens thrive on Grubbly Farms Black Soldier Fly Larvae treats, I’m convinced they’re worth every penny. The combination of exceptional nutrition, sustainability, and the sheer joy they bring to my flock makes them a staple in my poultry care routine. Whether you’re looking to supplement during molting season, strengthen eggshells, or simply treat your birds to something they’ll love, these Grubbly Farms treats available on Chewy offer an excellent solution. Your chickens deserve nutrition that’s as thoughtfully sourced as it is beneficial—and their enthusiastic response will tell you everything you need to know about your choice.
