Got an idea! Chicken run + compost pile together.

[beavis]

I have a thought this morning to move my compost pile into the enclosed chicken run (attached to the chicken coop)

The run is 24 x 12 and was contemplating moving the pile into that area to let my chickens scratch it into compost for me.

Turns out someone else had the same idea

http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Composter+Chickens.html

 

[ducks4you]

Thanks for finding this article! I read it online almost a year ago but lost the link! duh
I think it's brilliant. Please take pics so we can see it working this year!

 

[curly_kate]

What a great idea! When I bring out my kitchen scraps, I've thought about tossing them in to the run with the chickens. We compost coffee, tho, and I don't know if that would be so good for chickens. What do you think?

 

[jamespm_98]

What a great idea! When I bring out my kitchen scraps, I've thought about tossing them in to the run with the chickens. We compost coffee, tho, and I don't know if that would be so good for chickens. What do you think?

I have 4 chickens I run in a chicken tractor and we give them all the kitchen scraps. We often throw in coffee and tea bags. To be honest the chickens don't seem to even bother the coffee grounds. I am sure they eat a few since the scraps are all mixed, but I haven't seen any adverse effects.

 

[beavis]

Here is a view of the chicken run and the current compost pile.

I am in the process of buying new chicks, so it might be awhile before they venture into the compost pile.

 

[jojo54]

Here is a view of the chicken run and the current compost pile.

I am in the process of buying new chicks, so it might be awhile before they venture into the compost pile.

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/HVF-6713/P1010043-1.jpg
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/HVF-6713/P1010044-1.jpg

Looks great! I know my chickens would love to scratch up that pile. They love variety!

 

[lesa]

I think it is a good idea- as long as you are okay with that pile getting spread out fast. I dump giant piles of leaves with my chickens and by the time I rake up another pile, they have totally dispersed the first one!!! Nothing stays a pile for very long!

 

[curly_kate]

I have the same problem, Lesa! But my chickens are fenced in over my garden right now, so it would generally be in the right area.

 

[ducks4you]

Those piles keep their feet out of the mud when it's been raining a lot, too.

 

[bid]

Chickens are the best rakers ever...the problem is I can't get them to rake everything into a pile. I put leaves into the run too and then transfer it to the garden after a month or so, it keeps them busy and me as well! That's a really good looking run beavis. It will be fun to watch those little chicks scratch around in the compost. They grow up so fast!

I think it is a good idea- as long as you are okay with that pile getting spread out fast. I dump giant piles of leaves with my chickens and by the time I rake up another pile, they have totally dispersed the first one!!! Nothing stays a pile for very long!