Compost

[4happyhenz]

Is compost a danger to chickens? They love getting the worms out of my large compost pile. I just learned from my vet that compost is poison to my dogs. Does the same go for chickens?

 

[JeanR]

Unless you have added sprayed clippings, etc., it is safe and chickens love it! In the Orient, Dung hens are a name for their common chickens that get much of their nutrition from Compost--best when well heated and not fresh! You may not know that earthworms may be carriers of the parasite worms that can infect chickens--but not to worry. Just watch for actual round worms in the poop under their roosts. If any are visible, wormers will control them. Do not worm chickens, if they are not identified in their poop. A small population of roundworms in chickens is normal and not at all harmful. Wormers are POISONS, and if not used CAREFULLY, according to directions, can be truly harmful. Good luck.

 

[4happyhenz]

Thank you so much for the information!

 

[lindalouly]

Why is compost poison to dogs? My girls scratch in my freestanding compost pile but it only has all natural things like yard waste and chicken bedding and produce in it. I don't put worms in it but it naturally actracts the things needed for breaking down. The chicken poo plus all the pine needles leaves bedding branches makes a good nutrient rich dirt. My girls scratch through it all day and aerate it for me. The only down fall is I have to take it back up a lot!!!!

 

[4happyhenz]

I'm not sure why it is not good for dogs. My vet has huge poster in room that says 'top 10 dangers/poison for dogs'. Compost being one of them. My compost is the same as what you are saying. Maybe because of the worms?

 

[lindalouly]

Hmmmm I'm going to investigate. My dogs stay out of mine... Wondering if it has to do with the high nitrate levels.

 

[4happyhenz]

Tremorgenic mycotoxin is what is released even in organic compost. I just Google.

 

[lindalouly]

Ahhhh I just read on line it is poisonous for dogs to consume the rotting material.. Got it. We don't have that problem.

 

[4happyhenz]

I do! Lol. My dog loved to sneak back there and get her munch on. Made for horrible breath. Put a stop to it though

 

[lindalouly]

My dogs like to sneak and eat my chicken feed!!!! Lol makes for good fiber for them but not good for me.... If you get my drift!!!!