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Garden Gate:  From Cleaning the "Chicken Coop" to Composting  |
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JennyWren
True Blue Farmgirl
201 Posts
USA
201 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 24 2006 : 7:57:39 PM
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I am new to this... So please bear with me.. If this sounds like a dumb question..
I have a small flock of smaller than bantam sized chickens (Seramas). I use shaved pine bedding in their enclosure. I use approximately one bale of shavings at a time. I clean it out nearly every week, 10 days tops. I just hate to throw away the used bedding, and yet I am not sure about what will happen to all that cellulose from the wood shavings when it breaks down. Does it? I think I need a composting lesson, I only have a very small area to compost in anyhow..but would rather try to utilize this stuff than to contribute to a landfill with it. I wish I could use it as a mulch? But I think it needs to be broken down first...
If anyone has any suggestions or instructions on composting as I am new to that too.. I would really appreciate it.
Thanks!
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - JennyWren on Apr 24 2006 8:10:33 PM |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2006 : 8:55:43 PM
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Just mix that gold with grass clippings and it will almost self-combust!! I raise 100 meat birds at a time with pine shavings as bedding which leads to tons of manure/shavings! I alternate layers of the shavings with grass clippings and it heats up within a day and is ready to use in a couple of weeks. With the exception of the larger pieces, it breaks down to nothing in no time at all. I've composted a full dumptruck load over one season with no problems at all putting it on my garden. Just keep it a little damp, but not wet and it makes premium garden compost.
Di
http://www.daisyfarm.blogspot.com |
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JennyWren
True Blue Farmgirl
201 Posts
USA
201 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2006 : 9:04:11 PM
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Grass Clippings! Thats a great idea!
I have "big birds" (Moluccan Cockatoos) who do not eat seeds (so there is no chance of weed seeds), I think I'll dump that stuff in too. Can I also throw in the newspaper from the bottoms of their cages? I am new to this, so I don't know exactly what does and doesn't break down. Thank you for the advice!
Take care,
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2006 : 10:54:06 PM
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Not sure about the newspaper Carla, maybe if it was shredded up a bit so it didn't "mat" down. I haven't tried it, but have heard about others who do. All your kitchen waste can go into your compost pile too, as well as weeds. Just try to keep it layered...4" green / 4" brown and stir it up really good every few days.
http://www.daisyfarm.blogspot.com |
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JennyWren
True Blue Farmgirl
201 Posts
USA
201 Posts |
Posted - Apr 25 2006 : 06:21:18 AM
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Ok.. That sounds good.. I'll tear it in shreds. Ok.. One more question.. Can I put the compost in a "bin" type thing? I have an old recycling bin that is fairly large. Can I use that to hold the compost stuff? Sorry for all of the questions..
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Apr 25 2006 : 06:55:43 AM
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I've always wondered about the emphasis on layers in composting. If you're going to stir it every few days, aren't the layers going to be destroyed? Why is it important to layer the materials initially if they are just going to get mixed in together anyway?
Carla, since you're in the city you'll probably want to put your compost in something with a tight-fitting lid so it doesn't draw animals. I've had mine in an open chicken wire enclosure for the past few years, but I'm going to move it this year to a plastic or metal garbage can. I'm going to drill holes in the bottom and sides for ventilation. Last year I had a raccoon in my compost, and I've heard that the neighborhood has lots of rats. I don't want to encourage them to come into my yard.
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JennyWren
True Blue Farmgirl
201 Posts
USA
201 Posts |
Posted - Apr 25 2006 : 07:28:47 AM
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I was wondering how that would work in a tight fitting container. The container I want to use is a flip top style recycling bin. I think drilling holes in it is a good idea. I was also a little concerned about the smell, and thought the top would be a good idea.
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Apr 25 2006 : 08:36:04 AM
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As hard as it is to believe, all that hot, composting chicken manure has NO odor whatsoever other than the smell of sweet earth.
And you're right Amie...all the layers do get mixed together. The main thing is, just don't put a one foot layer of brown vegetation and hope it will compost with a sprinkling of green. Equal amounts is the key I've found.
I think you could probably compost in just about any kind of container so long as it doesn't get too wet and you can stir it up some so to get some air into it. I use a series of lined up wooden pallets nailed together so I always have a "ready to use" and a "dumping in" bin. I started a new compost last weekend after cleaning out the barn and doing the first spring mowing. It was so hot yesterday you could hardly put your hand on it and was actually steaming.
Ratz are a fact of life here and while I can't say I've never had one in the compost, I find that burying the kitchen scraps well into the middle of it helps avert the problem.
Oh one more thing...in the spring when you first uncover your compost piles, just open them up and set the chickens onto them. After finding that first worm, they will turn that pile over for you in no time. They earn their keep that way...lol.
Di
http://www.daisyfarm.blogspot.com |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Apr 25 2006 : 08:37:57 AM
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Carla -- you can throw just about anything in a compost pile except for meat and protein -- dryer lint, coffee grounds with the filter, egg shells, veggie scraps, etc. Just make sure to add more brown material than green material. If you use the stuff from your chicken coop and add grass clippings to it then you will have wonderful compost. I've made compost bins before out of wood pallets. Three sided with the front open. I had 3 bins -- two that I used to turn the compost back and forth and one for holding materials to add to the pile.
Here's a great site with lots of information. http://www.compostguide.com/
http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
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JennyWren
True Blue Farmgirl
201 Posts
USA
201 Posts |
Posted - Apr 25 2006 : 09:34:20 AM
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:) Thank you ladies for all the great advice.. The compost site was very interesting! Great link! It's pretty cold and windy today, tomorrow it is supposed to be warmer. I am going to get this started tomorrow! Thank you!
They mentioned utilizing earthworms ect, by making holes in the bottom of the container.. I think that is a great idea!
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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sleepless reader
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
CA
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2006 : 11:33:43 AM
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You may also want to contact your State Extention Office. They may offer a "Master Composter" course where you'll learn more than you'll ever imagine about composting. This is usually free to low priced, they just ask you to be available to help others in exchange for what you've learned. I had a friend who did this and would go give talks about composting to school groups, garden groups, etc...
Life is messy. Wear your apron! |
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owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 08:19:28 AM
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| Carla, I have a question. How do you have chickens in the city? Isn't that against some kind of code or something? If it's ok where you live, maybe I can get some here in my subdivision in Germantown!! By the way, still working on when we can get together...yea! |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 09:30:26 AM
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I use shavings too...and just usually have a pile that I let compost for a few months before using. I find chicken manure alot more hot than most manures...but usually by the next planting season I can use it mixed with other stuff.
Hey Jan..even when I lived in town in Calif I was able to have up to 10 hens..no rooster...as long as no neighbors complained. I always had some (more than 10 to be honest) as long as they are out of sight of neighbors who may care and things are as clean as possible it usually works. I think you can check your city code easily..I did when I lived in town to find out for sure what the laws are.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 11:32:55 AM
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Dryer lint in compost?? Guess if it's all cotton it will break down too. It never occurred to me. We throw our lint in the burn pile and use it in the winter for fire starting.
We are almost finished constructing the super coop (12x12) and will bed it down with shavings. A bale usually lasts a month right now, but current total area used is much smaller. Hubby said when we merge flocks he'll designate a place for all the shavings and will turn it with the front end loader. We shifted coops the other day (they are movable with grass for the flooring) and the manure from here has already been spread.
We'll have to see how much bedding us used. That's the nice thing about free ranging in the summer......longer hours outside and less buildup in the coop.
At the zoo all manure - (with the exception of primate)-and paper towel waste are composted. Hubby helps take care of this section. Once a week, it's rotated and turned with a front end loader. I think he once said internal temp is someting like 210 degrees??? Pretty cool to see it all cooking in the dead of winter. And let me tell you....rhino and elephant doo when it's finished will boost everything! Pity this zoo doesn't sell this stuff to the public. |
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JennyWren
True Blue Farmgirl
201 Posts
USA
201 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 1:36:21 PM
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I have my little Seramas in an old gazebo in my basement. I have 2 air cleaners and a (heater for them in the winter, because the breed comes from Malaysia, they need to be kept warm) No.. Chickens are not allowed in the city.. I am not sure exactly what these would be classified as, yes, they are a chicken, but NO they are no where the size of a standard chicken and about half the size of a bantam. These are basically pets, another words they are about the size of a soda can. They are ADORABLE. My parrots are 3-4 time their size.
This is a photo of "George" my Serama 'Roo who is an adult.. and my girlfriends Bantam Ameracauna that was hatched out in November, so he would be 5 months old. You can see that Serama is much smaller as an adult than the Bantam is as an cockerel.
Sorry for these large photos... Does anyone know how to make them smaller?
This started out as a home-school project, embryo development, using a thermometer, hygrometer and record keeping. And blossomed into one of the most fun hobbys we have had in a long time. Getting teeny tiny eggs everyday (it takes 3-4 Serama eggs to make 1 regular size chicken egg, GREAT for dieting!).. is an added bonus.
We practice bio-security as part of the hobby. If all chickens were as clean as our there would be no worries.
It goes along with my Urban Homesteading views...
You could probably have them, because they are so tiny, and quiet. I have my children's old baby monitor down in the basement, and the base in our bedroom, I keep one roo so that when the timer for the lights goes off at 5:00 am, he crows and I hear it.. and get up! IT'S THE BEST way to wake up in the morning! Who needs an alarm clock I have him!
I mowed the lawn today.. and took the clippings and mixed it with the shavings and also some coffee grounds... I put it in the recycling bin...
How long until I can use it? (sorry if I sound like the little kid watching for the pot of soup to boil!
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - JennyWren on Apr 27 2006 3:50:41 PM |
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owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2006 : 07:53:57 AM
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| Jenny, thanks for the info. I'll have to check it out. I have a room built on behind my garage that would be a wonderful place for chickens. Right now it the kittie's "apartment" where they sleep at night so they don't drive me crazy. Carla, George is adorable! |
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JennyWren
True Blue Farmgirl
201 Posts
USA
201 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2006 : 08:15:04 AM
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Hi Jan,
That little room would be perfect for them! It's so much fun... we have little diet sized eggs every day! If you decide you would like some Seramas.. I will gladly give you some. Let me know!
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - JennyWren on Apr 28 2006 10:38:14 AM |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2006 : 10:55:52 AM
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Both chickies are cute! Over the weekend, hubby and I went to an old feed store in Aberdeen NC. They are the only place we know reasonably close, that carries Pro-Mix. Their seedlings are always healthy and vigirous too. Anyway, they have their resident OEGB or Old English Game Bantam. He is also the size of a soda can....with wings! He usually hangs out on the register counter. This day he was on the floor and wanted on the counter. I was standing behind hubby and one other customer, so they were oblivious to him. He started making tiny little frustrated rooster sounds. When I got hubby's attention, he turned around and provided space enough for Jr. to hop up. Too cute
If I ever order more chicks, I'll be sure to add a few of these to the mix.
In the back they also had 4 crates with chicks. It was hard enough not to claim a few of these right there on the spot! But I have 2 silkie hens setting already, so there will hopefully be chicks enough in due time. Was also happy to see this feed'n seed decided to get chicks in at all, since Tracor Supply won't....due to the Avian Flu scare. |
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JennyWren
True Blue Farmgirl
201 Posts
USA
201 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2006 : 2:09:08 PM
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After I collect the eggs and go get fresh water.. George follows me.. funny routine we have gotten into. He seems to have to supervise everything I do. Those little 'roo sounds are so cute.. I can tell what he wants and you are right! They do make a funny noise when they are not being paid attention to.
Serama's are hard to come by. Right now they are only available through breeders. But if you would like I can send you a couple of eggs that you could put under your Silkies.
Although "hootie" that is the visiting Ameracauna in the photo, seems to have mixed with my girls, because all of a sudden they are coming out with green eggs? Is that possible? I still have 1 of my girlfriends Ameracauna hens but it is very young (or at least I thought) and the eggs are super small, equal to my Serama eggs. So it is my assumption that they are Serama eggs.
Does anyone know if this is possible? I thought egg color was determined by the hen???
Anyhow.. What I am saying is if I send you some eggs now, they may be mixed.
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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sonflowergurl
True Blue Farmgirl
349 Posts
Katee
Tampa 'Burbs
FL
USA
349 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2006 : 09:44:06 AM
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So grass clippings are fine for composting....(from reading the whole thread), but what about "weeds"? Should I just keep them separate so the seeds don't get into my garden or flowers? We composted when I was a kid on the farm, but it's like it's new to me again...especially with living in the 'burbs. At least we have plenty of space to do it and keep it away from the house. (I think I'll put it behind the shed and no one will really even see it either!)
Katee
The end will justify the pain it took to get us here.
"Looking Toward the Son"---- http://sonflowergirl731.blogspot.com
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2006 : 10:13:57 AM
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I compost weeds if they are relatively young and haven't produced seed heads. Otherwise it all gets thrown away into the woods.
Same for grasses. These either get turned up so roots whither and die or tossed elsewhere. We have huge problems with Bermuda grass and something called smartweed. Both just love warm humid climates and spring up especially after rain. I'll pull the smartweed or hoe it under. I have a small herb/flower garden that is looking great right now. All weeds hoed under until the next rain that is....
And Jennywren, I'll buy some eggs at the next setting cycle. The hens should be ready to get up- or rather eggs should hatch sometime this week coming up. I'm really excited.
Good thing too, these silkies set at the drop of a hat, so let me know early Summer what your gals are doing, and maybe we can coordinate. I'll send a message as soon as the first hen goes back to broody. They seem to set together and don't mind sharing a nest box. A third went broody 4 days ago. So all 3 are in one! |
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JennyWren
True Blue Farmgirl
201 Posts
USA
201 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2006 : 09:29:15 AM
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Hi Anna!
Terrific! Marianna will be thrilled you would like some eggs! Just email me and let me know when you would like some. We have eggs all the time.
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2006 : 10:26:45 AM
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COOL! Thanks a bunch!!  I'll be sure to let you know
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Garden Gate: From Cleaning the "Chicken Coop" to Composting |
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From Cleaning the "Chicken Coop" to Composting
