Why calcium matters so much

Warum Calcium so wichtig ist
Calcium & growth

Why calcium matters so much

Stable bones, strong feathers, firm eggshells: calcium sits behind more than you might think. Black soldier fly larvae deliver it entirely naturally — as a protein-rich supplement for wild birds, chickens, hedgehogs and reptiles.

Up to 5% calcium content Dried in its natural state Free from additives Produced in Bremen
Dried black soldier fly larvae from EntoZoo

Why calcium matters so much for your animal

When calcium is lacking, it often only shows up late — in brittle feathers, soft eggshells or slower growth in young animals. During growth and moulting phases in particular, the requirement rises noticeably.

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Eggshell formation

Without enough calcium, eggshells become thin and brittle — a frequent issue for chicken keepers, especially during the laying season.

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Bone development

Young hedgehogs, young birds and growing reptiles need calcium for a stable bone structure and healthy growth.

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Feather formation

During the moult, birds' calcium and protein requirements rise sharply — for strong new plumage.

BSFL compared with a pure mineral supplement

Classic oyster shell or grit delivers calcium — but nothing more. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) deliver calcium as part of a complete, natural feed.

Criterion EntoZoo BSFL Pure oyster shell / grit
Nutrient profile Calcium + approx. 42% crude protein + healthy fats Calcium carbonate only
Origin & processing Insect farming, gently dried, free from additives Mineral extraction, industrially ground
Added benefit Encourages natural pecking and foraging behaviour Purely a supplement, no enrichment effect
Use Supplementary feed and enrichment in one Only as a source of minerals
Acceptance by animals High acceptance thanks to natural smell & taste Sometimes picked out and left

Nutritional values are based on our own in-house analyses of our BSFL batch, as at 2026. BSFL does not replace a complete feed; it supplements daily feeding.

Choose your quantity

Three sizes — from the trial pack to a reserve that lasts several months. Ready to ship, delivery within 1–3 working days inside Germany.

1 kg

Starter · approx. 4 weeks for 6 chickens

€11.99

€11.99 per kg

  • Ideal for trying out
  • Resealable
  • Shipped from Bremen
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Most popular choice

5 kg

Stock-up pack · approx. 5 months for 6 chickens

€54.99

€10.99 per kg · save 8%

  • Best value for money
  • Saves against the 1 kg bag
  • Long shelf life
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10 kg

Keeper's pack · approx. 10 months for 6 chickens

€99.99

€9.99 per kg · save 17%

  • Maximum saving
  • For larger flocks
  • Optimised for shipping costs
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What our larvae deliver

Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) are among the most calcium-rich insects there are — and at the same time they provide high-quality protein and healthy fats.

5%

Calcium content

42%

Crude protein share

24 mths

Shelf life unopened

< 48 h

Delivery time in Germany

Nutritional values at a glance

High-quality amino acids, healthy fats (omega-3 & omega-6) and above all: plenty of calcium for stable eggshells and strong bones.

Crude protein approx. 42%
Crude fat approx. 28%
Crude fibre approx. 7%
Crude ash approx. 9%
Calcium approx. 5%
Phosphorus approx. 0.9%
Nutritional values of soldier fly larvae

What keepers use our larvae for

Three effects that come back to us most often in practice — not advertising promises but typical observations with regular feeding.

Better egg quality

A higher calcium share supports stable eggshells in chickens. Carotenoids from the larval fat also intensify the colour of the yolk.

Stable growth

With enough calcium, young hedgehogs and young wild birds build stable bone structures faster — important before winter.

Strong plumage

During the moult, the combination of calcium and protein makes for more resilient, glossier plumage.

Frequently asked questions

The key points about calcium and BSFL that customers ask us most often.

Why do animals need calcium at all?
Calcium is central to bone development, eggshell formation and the formation of feathers. During growth, laying and moulting phases in particular, the requirement rises sharply — a deficiency often only shows up late, for instance in brittle feathers or soft eggshells.
How does BSFL differ from oyster shell or grit?
Oyster shell delivers pure calcium carbonate, nothing else. BSFL delivers calcium as part of a complete feed — with around 42% crude protein and healthy fats on top. BSFL does not necessarily replace grit, but it is a sensible supplement to feeding.
How much BSFL should I feed each day?
As a supplementary feed we recommend around 10–15 g per animal per day, depending on species and size. A 1 kg pack will therefore last a single chicken around 2–3 months.
Is BSFL a complete feed?
No, explicitly not. BSFL is a high-quality supplement — the main feed should still be a balanced, species-appropriate mix. BSFL is fed in addition, scattered or given individually.
How long do the larvae keep?
Stored cool and dry in the original packaging, at least 24 months. No refrigeration needed. Once opened, we recommend storing them in the resealable bag or in an airtight container.
How quickly is it delivered?
Shipping is from Bremen. Orders placed by 2 p.m. on working days go out the same day. Delivery within Germany usually takes 1–3 working days by DHL.

Strong bones, firm shells — entirely natural.

Try EntoZoo black soldier fly larvae with the 1 kg pack. If your animals do not take to them, or you are not convinced, get in touch — we will find a solution.

Order 1 kg now — €11.99
Shipped from GermanyDelivery 1–3 working daysSecure payment
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