Can I get sick from doing this?

[s6bee]

We just moved the chicken tractor from up closer to the house to the back end of the yard. Well, where we had the run of course there is no grass, but just a hardened area of all the poo, feed, etc. that has accumilated over the season. It didn't look so bad when there was snow

My question is, we are trying to dig it up and get it out of there so I can reclaim that part of my yard again. The smell is awful of course, but can we get sick from stirring this stuff up?

Thanks

 

[MissPrissy]

Turn it under, mix in some lime to sweeten the soil and water it down really well. Things will grow there better than any part of your yard for a couple years. I'd plant me some tomato plants there!

Don't throw away such fertile soil!

 

[swiftfoot]

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[s6bee]

Unfortunately it's a section of "yard" so can't plant anything other than grass. We did however go ahead and throw it all in the veggie garden. We hope to till tomorrow.
The smell was awful and I was worried about breathing it in.

Thanks

 

[@migocontodos~]

Listen to MP...you'd be surprised what will grow there now!
Utilize that fertilizer!

 

[mandomama]

Chicken "compost" smells terrible! We used to buy it for our yard and garden when we were in town. The neighbors always made comments. I wouldn't worry about the smell unless you have asthma or something. The ammonia will sure clear out your sinus"!

 

[silkiechicken]

Yeah... I try not to dig into the build up... When spring comes by and all the coops are moved. I just quickly burrow a few holes into the mass, drop in a zucchi transplat, and next year, no problems with smell!

 

[s6bee]

Well, maybe this next winter I'll just move the coop over the veggie garden instead, that way I won't have to move anything and I'll only have to till it in.

 

[silkiechicken]

Careful what you put in that fresh plot though, as some plants wont like it and can get burnt if it's not aged long enough. Best of luck!

 

[dlhunicorn]

I have found that the bad smell is usually associated with the (rotted) feed and not the poos.