Project Background
Small-scale chicken farmers need access to a sustainable and reliable source of chicken feed, such as black soldier fly larvae. Crises like COVID-19 make obtaining feed more difficult for the growing number of chicken farmers. We will build a controlled system to facilitate black soldier fly pupation, mating, and egg-laying so the larvae can be used as sustainable, inexpensive, high-protein chicken feed for home-scale operations.
Design Considerations & Obstacles
Size
The breeding apparatus should be large enough to produce enough eggs so that 6 chickens can feed off of the larvae. Additionally, it should not be so large that it becomes an inconvenience to the consumer.
Materials
Material used for the system must be non-degradable, able to withstand compost (and possibly weather).
Accessibility
All components of the system should be easily accessible to ease user maintenance or malfunction.
Safety
The system should pose no danger to the user during assembly or maintenance procedures.
Cost
The total cost of the system and maintenance should be comparable or cheaper than current chicken feeding practices.
Sensor Requirements
A sensor must determine the humidity and maintain 30-90% humidity inside of the system.