Black Soldier Fly, Barrel Brooder 07 14 21

I live down in Lower Alabama (L.A.) and have returned to raising BSF. Around 8 years ago we kept BSF for two years and had good success just using a 25 gallon plastic tote with dual ramps (one for chicken feed and the other for hatching and keeping the colony alive.
We built a simple barrel brooder out of an old plastic drum. My goal was to NOT buy anything and use materials I had in my shop. So, a simple build that I hope will work well.
I have noted that the females are laying eggs in/on the substrate (a combination of dirt/sand, chicken poo and pine shavings) and NOT paying any attention to the cardboard strips or the wood slats I installed this morning. I believe my substrate is too dry. So later today I plan to wet things down and see if that helps out for tomorrow.
Please feel free to comment and add constructive info on things I can improve on. Thanks!

[@mtkids3558]

Hey, you poped into my favorites. Great day seeing Travis, and those sweet girls. Been a long day here, cooler today. Been working on the RV, getting ready for cooler weather. Thanks for a fun video. Hugs from Char and Bruce.

[@Flyboytr]

Thanks... Glad you liked it. Looking forward to seeing y'all at the MWHM in September! Hugs... :)

[@haroldbivinssr2889]

Enjoyed!

[@t1d100]

You answered my question about heat = You have them in the shade. I was going to suggest that you paint the barrel white. Nice, simple build.

[@Flyboytr]

They prefer warmer...so keeping the brooder between 75 - 95 should work out well. I have lots of new eggs that have been laid.