Chicken FAQ
Straight answers for flock keepers.
Does The Wind River Bug Ranch breed all the insects it sells?
While we strive to produce all our own insects, there may be times when we run low on stocks of certain species. In these instances, we will order in extra bugs. We do this well in advance and always keep them on a top-quality diet for at least one week before selling them or feeding them to our own animals. When possible, we purchase these extra insects as eggs or tiny babies, and then hatch and/or raise them here at the Ranch.
Why is it even more important to give my chickens access to oyster shell grit when they eat mealworms regularly?
Even though they are a healthy treat for your chickens, mealworms and many other feeder insects have a flaw; they are low in calcium. Chickens need lots of calcium for growth and egg laying, and by providing your flock with oyster shell grit, you allow your girls to take in all they need, as they need it. Oyster shell is 95% calcium carbonate and will dissolve in the stomachs of the chickens, so it is also important to make sure they also have insoluble grit, like crushed quartz or granite, readily available.
How should I offer insects to my chickens?
Rather than using a bowl, let your chickens use their natural foraging instincts to scratch and hunt for their prey. Simply scatter a handful (or a scoopful if you’re squeamish) and let your chickens do the rest. It will take them awhile to find and eat all the treats, far, far longer than it would take them to eat them from a bowl. Such enrichment has been proven to reduce stress in chickens, which results in happier chickens.
What is the green blob I found in my order of bugs?
That appetizing green blob is our Gut-Loading Gel. It is a mix of highly-nutritious ingredients including dandelion greens, alfalfa leaves, spirulina, bee pollen, and other nutritious ingredients, held in suspension with agar gel. This is designed to provide your feeders with plenty of food and moisture while being dropped-off and picked-up. We also offer Gut-Loading Gel for sale in 12 ounce tubs.