Do I Need to Sift Out the Seeds when Composting Chicken Run Waste?

[FowlFolklore]

Hi everyone,

Ive noticed that my hens are quite picky eaters, and a lot of their feed ends up scattered all over the run. Im trying to compost everything from the run, including the uneaten feed, bedding, and waste, but Im not sure if the seeds left behind will help with the composting process or if they will cause any issues.

Should I sift out the uneaten seeds before adding them to the compost pile, or can I just leave them in? Im new to composting and would appreciate any tips or advice you have to offer.

I really want to make sure Im doing it right. Thanks!

[BroodyBella]

If the seeds in the run are just leftover feed, you can leave them in the compost. Over time, they'll decompose, and the chickens will eat a lot of them. However, if you're growing anything in your compost, you might want to sift out larger seeds to avoid unwanted plants growing.

[HatchlingHustler]

Composting is a great idea, and you don't necessarily need to sift out the seeds. As long as the compost gets hot enough (around 130-160F), those seeds will break down. If you're concerned about seeds sprouting, consider turning the compost regularly to keep the temperature up.

[BackyardChirper]

The seeds in the chicken run will likely get eaten, or they'll be composted over time. If you're worried about the compost being too “hot” or not breaking down properly, consider turning it more often or adding more carbon material like leaves or straw to balance it out.

[RoostRuler]

I wouldn't sift out the seeds unless they're large or potentially invasive. The composting process will break down the majority of seeds, and some might get eaten by your chickens anyway. Just make sure you turn the compost regularly and keep it moist for the best results.

[HenHouseHistorian]

I wouldn't worry about the seeds too much. In most cases, they will either get eaten by the chickens or break down in the compost. If you notice any sprouting later, you could sift out any large seeds, but for the most part, composting chicken waste with seeds included is not a problem.

[HenThusiast]

If you're new to composting, don't stress too much about the seeds. Over time, they'll either break down or get eaten by your chickens. However, if you're noticing a lot of sprouting in your compost, it could help to sift out larger seeds or grains to avoid unwanted plants.

[OliviaOrpington]

I would suggest not sifting out the seeds unless you have a specific reason to do so. They'll break down in the compost and can actually help improve the mix. However, you should monitor the compost's heat and moisture to make sure it's breaking down properly.

[FarmsteadFowl]

I would recommend leaving the seeds in your compost. As long as they're broken down properly in the composting process, they shouldn't cause any issues. Just make sure your compost gets hot enough to break them down. If you're worried, you could sift out large seeds or grains, but most of the time, the chickens will naturally consume them or they'll break down over time.

[Eggcentric]

You could leave the seeds in the compost, but be mindful of how much you're adding. If you end up with a lot of seeds, they might sprout when you use the compost. One solution is to cover the pile with a tarp to help retain heat and break down the seeds faster.