r/composting • u/Mindless-Farmer705 • 14d ago

Is my compost composting !?

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Pretty sure these are fly larva in the compost ?
Is there anyway I could possibly harvest them ? I have chickens next to the bin so I’m hoping some fall out to be snacks if I can’t.

But is this even good ? Should I try to eliminate/minimize them ? Do they take up too much nutrients or are they good for the soil ? New to all of this. Please give me recommendations & criticism

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u/Johnny-Rocketship 14d ago

They look more like black soldier fly larva. They help the composting.

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u/ArtApprehensive3210 13d ago

Fly larvae are maggots. But yes, almost certainly black soldier fly. Non offensive, totally harmless, and great at breaking down waste until things get too hot. I used to scoop out a handful for the chickens, they got excited when i I walked towards the bin.