Backyard Fowl Keepers

Posted: **Sat Mar 01, 2025 9:19 pm**

You're already doing a lot right! Keep layering and turning the pile every few days to speed up decomposition. The dry straw may slow things down, so consider adding more “greens” like food scraps. As for the chickens in the garden, I fence off areas I'm actively growing in and let them roam everywhere else.

Posted: **Sat Mar 01, 2025 11:55 pm**

AnnieAviary wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2025 5:19 pm Twice a year, like clockwork, the coop gets a full clean-out. Straw, hemp bedding, and a hefty dose of chicken manure pile up, leaving me with a mountain of soiled bedding. I know its compost gold, but Im trying to figure out the best way to turn this messy mix into rich, usable soil through hot composting.

Since I dont use a poop board, the manure is already well-mixed into the bedding. Is there a good rule of thumb for balancing it all to make sure it heats up properly? And while were at itwhats the real deal with letting chickens into the garden in the fall? They do an excellent job of clearing out weeds and bugs, but my partner is worried about raw chicken manure being left behind.

Would love to hear from anyone whos mastered both composting and chicken-powered garden cleanup!

Your partner has a point,fresh chicken manure can carry bacteria. But if you plan ahead, the benefits outweigh the risks. Compost the bedding properly, and use timing to your advantage. Chickens can still roam in non-edible areas, keeping pests down and soil healthy.

Posted: **Tue Mar 04, 2025 7:54 pm**

If your compost isn't heating up, check your moisture levels. A too-dry pile won't break down efficiently, while a soggy one can turn slimy. It should feel like a damp sponge. Chickens in the garden are a great idea, just be mindful of timing with edible crops.