I heard that you're not supposed to put chicken manure straight into the garden/yard cause it can burn the plants... give me your most practical (and easiest) way you like to compost your manure for a yard with limited space!
I have tried a few composting methods, and this is by far the easiest one. If your birds spend most (or all) of their time in a run, you can turn that space into a compost system with almost no work. It sort of like the Deep Litter Method, if you have heard of that.
Here’s how I do it:
First, add about a 6-inch barrier around the edge of the run (I used wood boards) to keep everything contained. Then put down a base layer of wood chips, about 2–4 inches thick.
From there, the chickens do most of the work. As they scratch, poop, and forage, they naturally mix everything together. You can also add kitchen scraps, which they’ll love and help break things down faster.
As time goes on, keep an eye (and nose) on it. If it starts to smell or look too compacted, just add another layer of wood chips on top — no need to turn it manually. The chickens will keep working it in.
After a few months, the bottom layer will start turning into nice compost. Around 6 months or so (depending on your setup), you can scoop out the finished compost from the bottom or one side and use it in your garden, then keep the system going.
The best part is the chickens do all the turning for you. You don’t have to move manure or manage a separate pile, and it keeps them busy and entertained too.
Hope this helps!
Now, cow manure is very hot and will burn the plants. I mix mine with peat moss then throw it in the garden.
