chicken powered compost screen

[nellynelly]

as i was screening the compost, i noticed the ladies watching me, waiting for the treats that i find for them. then i got to thinking, why am i doing all this work, why not use my birds to process finished compost.

my current plan is pretty simple, a wooden box (2'x3') constructed from 2x12's with a screen bottom. all of this elevated and at a slight angle. the rough compost would go on top, the birds pecking and scratching would force the finished product through the screen.

any ideas/feedback? thanks.

 

[Arielle]

very cool idea!

 

[MonsterClucker]

I like that idea a lot! Can you post pictures when you start the construction please? I think I'm gonna follow your lead with tha

 

[Stumpy]

Great idea. I am thinking how nice it would be if it fit on top of my wheelbarrow.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

I love it!

And welcome to BYC!

 

[nellynelly]

a bit different than the original plan.....we will see if it works. the compost area is 4' wide and 10' long (on a slight slope) with a chicken wire baffle 4' from the bottom of the chute.

 

[backyardcelia]

very nice! i look forward to hearing how this system works out. what made you decide to go with an alley rather than the original rectangle? it must be like a built in bug farm for them too!

 

[lookyhereboy]

a bit different than the original plan.....we will see if it works. the compost area is 4' wide and 10' long (on a slight slope) with a chicken wire baffle 4' from the bottom of the chute.

Great idea I may have to find a way to do that this spring. Keep us up to date on how it is working.

 

[nellynelly]

the compost pile is steaming hot. will keep you all posted on the screens effectiveness.

 

[nellynelly]

the compost looks great. but.....

.....the screen fell apart (light weight chicken wire). the scratching did help move the material downhill, and rack up on the screen baffel (until it broke) so it kinda worked. maybe i will make again with with heavier material.