Compost pile

[Wormhunter]

Hiya from chilly uk
Bit of advice needed !
I read repeatedly that allowing our ‘girlies’ access to the compost pile is a worthwhile thought especially during these ‘ chillier’ winter days
My concern is egg shells and teabags, gfirstly eggs? there are always bits of ‘boiled egg’ still inside the odd egg shell( children avoid the top they slice off to open their egg in the morning) and I don’t want to encourage our girls to eat their own eggs ! Also surely teabags will be dangerous? I’m not keen on starting another compost pile just for the girls but am keen to do what’s best. Any ideas appreciated!

 

[RobertaD1]

They are absolutely fine eating the egg, shell and all! They will stir your compost for you and leave more nitrogen in their wake! Let them at it! As for the tea.... I've never heard of any trouble before. But then, I dont throw tea bags on the compost pile because of the string and tag. Cant help you there. But as for the eggs... theyre good for them! And it wont cause any trouble!

 

[RobertaD1]

You could cut the strings off before it goes to the pile..... never thought about it really.
The tea itself is weakened because of the brewing, so that wouldnt hurt them....
But hopefully someone else could chime in on that part.

 

[SpotTheCat]

Hiya from chilly uk
Bit of advice needed !
I read repeatedly that allowing our ‘girlies’ access to the compost pile is a worthwhile thought especially during these ‘ chillier’ winter days
My concern is egg shells and teabags, gfirstly eggs? there are always bits of ‘boiled egg’ still inside the odd egg shell( children avoid the top they slice off to open their egg in the morning) and I don’t want to encourage our girls to eat their own eggs ! Also surely teabags will be dangerous? I’m not keen on starting another compost pile just for the girls but am keen to do what’s best. Any ideas appreciated!

Do you know about the bird flu lockdown?
Sorry I can’t help with the compost questions.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

If the string and paper on the teabag are organic (meaning non-plastic, not “certified”) they can go in the compost...shouldn’t bother chickens, although you can always bury it deeper in the pile to be safe.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

Egg shells are fine in compost (and for chickens) as well...crush them before composting to speed decomposition and keep the hens from associating them with eggs.

Also...I know the laws in the UK are different than in US (and much stricter) - so just know your local ordinances.

 

[Wormhunter]

Do you know about the bird flu lockdown?
Sorry I can’t help with the compost questions.

 

[Wormhunter]

Yep bird due lockdown here in 12 began mid December and is for 12 weeks, our chickens are penned for that time so kept away from any’wild birds
Pretty difficult for my 7 free rangers and waiting for any further info at start of march

 

[littledog]

Some brands of teabags have a little staple that holds the string to the paper label - I would cut that off before composting in case your chickens (or wild birds) are attracted to little shiny things.