DIY From the Soil: 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.