Jsut an idea I had

[GBov]

I was planning a 4 ft wide chicken tractor made out of stock pannels but was stummped by the poop problem. BUT looking at my garden I had an idea. My rows are 4 ft wide so if I place the tractor at one end of the row, moving it down the row just far enough for it all to be on fresh soil daily all I will have to do is dig in the manure. The 8 to 10 weeks will well manure the row or two I use and at the end of it 10 fat chickens go in the freezer.

I had to share with folks who might like the idea as my family just doesnt understand

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

Perfect!

 

[uhuh555]

Not to throw a wet blanket on the idea; but...Using 'fresh' manure on a vegetable garden is OK except in areas that you are growing vegetables that will be eaten fresh. E-coli and other harmful bacteria can be splashed on them by rain and wind... Washing them before eating has limited effectiveness even when washed 2 or 3 times.

We use 'fresh' manure on the sweet corn, squash, pumpkins (also a squash) and in the orchard but near the grapes or blueberries.

 

[Junkmanme]

FRESH chicken manure will "burn" your garden plants. Too Hot !!!

Should be composted.

IF you put the chicken tractor in the garden while the plants are growing. The chickens will EAT EVERYTHING.

just "compost" it. You'll have great results that way.

-Junkmanme-

 

[GBov]

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Thats good info, Thanks! Will keep it in mind when giving this idea a try.

 

[GBov]

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I have read conflicting data on that so will be playing Myth Busters with the fresh manure controversy

 

[scubaforlife]

This is how the Amish near me create gardens. If you move the pen every day, your soil will be able to take up the nitrogen with no problem. Just keep a ratio of about 1.5 sqft per bird. The key is moving EVERY DAY.

 

[GBov]

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Thank you VERY MUCH!!!

That is what I thought my soil should be able to use up so 10 birds for 10 weeks should do one row to perfection. And as I have room for 4 rows I should be able to do most of our years chicken in batches without anyone around us being the wiser

 

[dancingbear]

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Thank you VERY MUCH!!!

That is what I thought my soil should be able to use up so 10 birds for 10 weeks should do one row to perfection. And as I have room for 4 rows I should be able to do most of our years chicken in batches without anyone around us being the wiser

I'd dig it in as well, so that the raw manure is mixed with the soil, both to dilute the strength, and to avoid pathogens being splashed up onto the fruits of your plants. You could also lay down a mulch around the base of the plants to prevent the splashing of pathogens.

The acid-resistant strain of e-coli that has caused so many problems, is usually from manure from grain-fed cattle. Strictlt grass-fed cattle that don't get grain-fed don't have this problem. I can't say about chickens, I don't know if they carry it or not. Chickens are supposed to eat pretty much everything, so it's probably not an issue with them, but I don't know for sure.

There are other pathogens to consider, though, such as salmonella.