When to compost?

[chickgarden]

Hi! Wasn't exactly sure where to post this question, so hopefully this is the right place. We started raising chickens this spring and have really been enjoying it. We decided to go with the deep litter method in the coop run and hen house. I've been adding layers of wood shavings and sprinkling sweet pdz into it about once a week or so, started this back around May. So far so good on odor control even on the hottest days. My question is when I should remove this and how quickly I can use it as compost in my garden. I was thinking maybe sometime this month I could use it as a mulch around much of my garden, but don't know if it will burn the plants.
Should I first store it someplace else to compost down further?
thanks!!

 

[SunnyAlberta]

Folks who use DLM typically clean out their bedding twice a year. You do need to compost your bedding properly -- it took mine about two months in a composter -- before adding it directly to a growing garden, especially alongside any food you may grow. There are some folks who don't compost and have had luck with that, but know it may burn your plants.

This thread may be helpful.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/693542/composting

 

[chickgarden]

Thanks! Looks like we'll have a project coming up this month. I'm hoping it'll break down some more over the fall and winter.

 

[Fred's Hens]

You can also spread the manure/litter directly onto the garden during the off season. No compost pile or bin composting needed. Best manure handling guidelines do call for cessation of manure applications 30 days before planting and 90 days before harvesting vegetables. Thus, for our growing zone, the window of applying closes in March, as we don't plant anything earlier than mid-april.

Hope that helps.