Chicken Poo

[samela]

Hi All,

I've been given 2  black bags full of fresh chicken poo and mixed in straw, all fresh from the coop.  The problem is I have no idea what to do with it... do I compost it? can I dig it straight in? Anyone know what's best?

Thanks All
Sam x

[samela]

[Old bird]

It would be best to compost it as neat chicken poo is very strong and the straw needs to be composted as well.

Old Bird

[grawrc]

I've been given 2  black bags full of fresh chicken poo and mixed in straw, all fresh from the coop. 

Good to know that somebody loves ya! ;D ;D ;D ;D

(I'll get my coat!) btw I agree with OB.

[tonybloke]

definately add to compost heap, it'll get some heat in your heap!!

[cornykev]

As above.    ;D ;D ;D

[Tee Gee]

An extract from my bible;

Poultry Droppings.

Droppings of all types of poultry may be used as manure.

They contain a higher percentage of nitrogen and phosphates than stable and farmyard manure, but less potash, and must be balanced by appropriate chemicals.

Weight for weight they are about four times as rich as animal manure.

One cwt. of moist droppings will dress from 24 to 40 square yards.

If dried and powdered, the quantity would have to be even more reduced, and such manure is best employed like a chemical fertilizer at 8-12 oz. per square yard.

Poultry manure should be stored under cover.

An average analysis of a moist sample is nitrogen l½%, phosphoric acid l½%. potash ½-¾%.

If thoroughly dried, this would rise to nitrogen 4%, phosphoric acid 3%, potash 1½%.

Can also be used to make liquid manure in the same way as other animal manures but should be well diluted

[FennelandFern]

def. don't use it straight away as it is so strong and will burn the roots of your plants and make them very sick indeed. But as above, your heap will love it as it will activate everything and get the old composting going!

Am quite envious - I need to persuade my husband to let us pick up some chicken poo from a friend's coop. He's only just come round to shovelling horse poo once every six months!

[manicscousers]

we use some as the base for a hot bed, layer in the bottom, covered with about 9" compost/soil mix, covered with a cloche..I sow lettuces early in here, plus radish, got a good crop of little gem last year  :)