What to do with the shavings and poo out of the coop

[gumpsgirl]

I am just curious as to what others are doing with all of the wood shavings and poo from their coops. Can you compost those?

I am asking because I read on a thread somewhere on here (can't remember where

) that it takes the wood shavings years to break down. I would really like to take advantage of the chicken manure for my garden. Any answers to this question would be greatly appreciated! It would help my DH feel better too!

 

[arwmommy]

Oh YES! That is the REASON I first got chickens--- I needed more compost for my garden!!!! It is the best--- just remember that chicken poop is very hot and will burn plants if it is not composted first. Usually when I clean out the coop twice a year, I throw some grass and whatever other compost ingredients I have been collecting, water it down, and it is HOT (140*-160*!!!!) within just a few days.

Congrats on a fabulous compost source!

 

[bamadominaker]

Get you some earthworms and put it in compost pile and they will speed up the process. i have cedar shavings and thats what I do. nothing like fresh chicken PooP.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I've been tilling (well, Hubby has) mine into the veggie garden for years...nice crops...

 

[greyfields]

Put it in your garden and grow the best corn, potatoes or tomatoes you ever have witnessed.

 

[gumpsgirl]

Quote:
Do you put yours straight into the garden out of the coop or do you compost it first?

 

[Dilly]

Do you need to let the shavings and poop sit for awhile prior to adding to the garden soil?

Thanks

 

[greyfields]

They are composting within your brooder from all the heat generated. I just would not put them on any crop you plan to harvest within the next 60 days. So, I would place them over your corn plot and lightly till them in prior to planting.

 

[HorseFeathers]

COMPOST, baby!

 

[wynedot55]

yes put it in your garden in the fall an plow it under.an do the samething in the spring.an it will build your soil up.