Maggots for birds

[shagbat]

Hi all,
can anyone help me please.
Anglers gentles (maggots) are much cheaper than mealworms.
With winter coming, are these a suitable food for my garden birds.
I am concerned that they may have been chemically treated or
of low calorific value to the birds.
Many thanks.
s

[Acipiter]

I 'think' I did hear it said on the tv that they are ok, as long as you only buy the white ones.

[Burko]

If they weren't safe for birds they wouldn't be safe for fishing with.

[IanR]

Maggots are bred on rotting meat often chicken carcases don't think it would be a good idea to feed them too often.

[RKB]

They're generally fine. Birdkeepers often use them instead of mealworms, as they're cheaper. You can freeze them and feed them dead, which saves on waste. Or let them pupate into 'casters' and feed them that way (can also be frozen).

Only use the white ones, and 'clean' them for a few days first by keeping them in bran, to clear their guts.

Btw, you can also breed mealworms in your shed. Very very easy (as easy as keeping a goldfish), and creates a constant supply. Look it up online.

[shagbat]

Many thanks for your comments everyone.
Between you, you have covered my concerns.
I shall occassionally supplement the other fare I provide for my wild pets. with
gentles, during winter months, unless I subsequently learn different.

[Brocakat]

They do , however, smell absolutely V I L E .

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Brocakat

They do , however, smell absolutely V I L E .

That's the ammonia they give off..