Page 1 of 24
Turning Coop Chaos into Garden Gold
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 5:19 pm
by AnnieAviary
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!
Re: Turning Coop Chaos into Garden Gold
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2025 4:56 am
by BeakyBandit
If your partner is worried about fresh manure in the garden, consider a system where you only let the chickens into garden beds that won't be used for months. Otherwise, compost their droppings separately for safety. Many gardeners use a “coop-to-compost-to-garden” cycle for perfect soil enrichment.
Re: Turning Coop Chaos into Garden Gold
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2025 5:56 am
by CluckWhisperer
Your mix should compost well, but if it's not heating up, add more green materials or water. Also, chickens in the garden? Great for cleanup, just keep them out 90 days before harvest.
Re: Turning Coop Chaos into Garden Gold
Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2025 12:18 am
by EggsAndGiggles
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!
I use a deep litter method too, and my compost piles get hot fast when I mix in some green grass or vegetable scraps. As for your garden, my chickens free-range in fall and clean up pests. I just avoid letting them near my garlic and onions.
Re: Turning Coop Chaos into Garden Gold
Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2025 1:33 am
by TammyTalon
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!
I've been composting coop bedding for years, and the key is patience! Fresh manure can be too "hot" and burn plants, but after 3-6 months in a properly balanced pile, it turns into nutrient-rich compost. Chickens in the garden are fantastic for pest control, but I agree,timing is important.
Re: Turning Coop Chaos into Garden Gold
Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2025 10:31 pm
by ChloeCrest
I let my flock in the garden every fall! They eat bugs, scratch up weeds, and fertilize as they go. Just avoid letting them near crops you'll harvest soon.
Re: Turning Coop Chaos into Garden Gold
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 10:43 pm
by FeatherAlchemy
Your compost should be fine as long as you layer it properly. The straw is slow to break down, so chopping it or mixing in shredded leaves can help. As for letting chickens into the garden, I let mine in after harvest, and they do a great job without harming next season's soil.
Re: Turning Coop Chaos into Garden Gold
Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2025 3:25 am
by NestArchitect
Hot composting is all about balance! Straw takes a while to break down, so adding grass clippings, coffee grounds, or even a little aged manure from other sources could help speed things up. And yes, chickens are excellent garden helpers,just don't let them near freshly planted beds!
Re: Turning Coop Chaos into Garden Gold
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2025 5:14 pm
by BarnyardPhilosopher
Your pile is halfway there! Just turn it weekly, and in a few months, you'll have rich compost. As for the garden, chickens do wonders,just plan accordingly.
Re: Turning Coop Chaos into Garden Gold
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2025 6:09 pm
by SunkenHarvest
Fresh chicken manure is too strong for direct application, but after composting, it's fantastic. The USDA recommends keeping raw manure away from edible crops for 90-120 days, so if your partner is concerned, just time it right. Chickens can still help in fall, just not right before planting.