Composting Chicken Manure
Chicken manure is one of the most nutrient-rich fertilizers you can add to your garden — but it must be composted properly to be safe and effective. When done right, it transforms into a powerful soil amendment that boosts plant growth, improves soil health, and supports sustainable gardening. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Step 1: Collect Your Materials
Fresh chicken manure (avoid manure from medicated birds)
Carbon-rich “brown” materials like dried leaves, straw, shredded paper, or sawdust
Optional: green materials like grass clippings or veggie scraps
Step 2: Build Your Compost Pile or Bin
Choose a well-drained spot or compost bin
Layer manure and carbon materials to balance nitrogen and carbon (aim for a 30:1 ratio)
Keep the pile moist — like a wrung-out sponge
Step 3: Monitor Temperature
Monitor temperature if using hot composting (130–160°F or 54–66°C). A drop in core temperature is a key indicator that it's time to turn the pile.
Step 4: Aerate
Turn the pile to aerate based on its stage:
Initial Hot Phase (first ~3 weeks): Turn every 3-5 days to maintain high heat.
Cooling Phase (following weeks): Turn every 7-10 days as decomposition slows.
Adjust moisture and materials as needed.
Step 5: Let It Cure
Allow it to cure for 2–3 months before using in your garden. During this phase, no turning is needed.
Step 6: Sign that it’s ready
Compost is ready when it’s dark, crumbly, and smells earthy.
Step 7: Use Safely
Apply to garden beds, mix into soil, or use as top dressing.
Avoid using on edible crops until fully composted and cured.