[devon]

How rotted down does chicken manure need to be to use ? I am hopefully getting some bags this weekend but it will be fairly fresh. Do I need to leave it to breakdown more ? Thanks for any help

[azubah]

It's probably a bit strong and might burn roots. Better to let it rot down.

[engineer]

Hi Devon, welcome to the forums 

I have used quite a bit of fresh chicken manure, mix it with some straw, dosn't matter what kind and let it stand for about 6-9 months, turning it a few times. it should be ready by the Autumn to be put on the "Greens" plot.

If you have a compost heap you can add it to this in layers with the other material to act as an activator.

By the way don't get down wind of it on a hot day 

[Trillium]

I use it fresh only in the fall after I clear off my crops. It's way too strong otherwise and can easily burn crops. Been there, done that with some strawberries that I fed with fresh chicken manure tea. Had a big bald spot in the patch where I fed them 

[devonbarmygardener]

It does make great compost!

Wouldn't use it fresh though - ask how long it's been festering.

My plot neighbour has put some of our wood shavings with chicken poo in around her strawberries. I can't say I fancy that.

[Ema]

Bird poo can contain salmonella and ecoli - personally I would let it for down and put it on your beds in autumn

[Christine]

I'll join those who say it's great on the compost heap. Most of the chicken keepers on our site let it rot for a year. Same with the pigeon keepers and their equivalent product.

I run a two year composting system to ensure stuff really rots down and the oldest compost heap becomes the squash bed for marrows, pattypan, courgette - whatever I fancy growing.