[wellingtons]

... I was asked yesterday when does manure become well rotted manure and I found it very difficult to answer.

I know by looking at it, I think, but I couldn't describe it other than when it smells more like earth than the farmyard ...  

What would you have said?

[richyrich7]

Bout the same Wellies dark and crumblys about the texture. Or when you can put your hands in it without thinking yuk  

[sheridal]

Is it best to put fresh chicken manure on the compost heap, or can I put it straight onto a plot that isn't going to be used until next spring?

If I do put it on the bed, do I leave it on the top or dig it in??

[richyrich7]

Fresh hen manure is very high in nitrogen the usual advice is to compost first.  
I did dump a fresh load on some rhubarb 1 autumn and it went mad the following year.