managing what my flock produces?

[mirandamommy]

What does everyone do with their chicken poo?

I have just been putting the shavings and dropping into the trash but would like to put it to use as fertilizer and compost. I have a fairly small backyard so no place to hide or escape from the smell...

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

We put it into the compost heap during the summer and spread it over the entire garden in winter.

I usually only clean the coop 3x per year, but sometimes 4-5 depending on the weather conditions.

When I clean in the winter...I just spread the poo and shavings on the garden and let it decompose so that it won't burn the crops for the growing season.

 

[patandchickens]

It shouldn't smell. If it smells, there is too much poo and not enough shavings, or more likely the pile is too wet, or a similar problem. Google "composting" for more detailed advice.

At the very least, if you're going to get rid of it, find a gardening neighbor who wants it, or list it on craigslist or freecycle or such. It's VALUABLE, for improving soil - don't put it in the landfill!

Good luck,

Pat

 

[spottedtail]

We compost our hen manure with leaves, straw, and grass clippings.
It's good stuff when fully decomposed.
We occaisionally sell extra compost to egg customers.

 

[Chirpy]

We also compost ours and then use it in our garden.

 

[JennsPeeps]

This winter I've been putting the coop shavings around the garden. In fact, just today I dumped a bucket full into my garden in front of my house where I has just weeded.

Last summer I put the shavings into my yard waste bin (I'm in a city that composts yard waste as part of its recycling program). I'd like to start compsting the shavings this summer but it means removing a boxwood so that I've got a good post fot a compost bin.

So much to do!!

 

[slc]

Composting is always good and with the right ratios it shouldn't smell bad if at all, however, if you do not have the room for a proper sized hot compost pile you could put an add in your paper for free chicken litter. Someone will definitely want it. It would be a shame to waste good composting material like that.