[Bogof]

I've just started keeping chickens and was wondering what to do with all the poo and shavings, would it make good compost or not? Also where is the best place to put a compost bin, in the sun or shade. Is there a down side rats and the like. Thanks for the help.

[Trillium]

Yes, the poo and shavings would make very good compost as the poo is still too fresh to use as is. The high nitrogen of chicken poo would quickly break down the shavings. Add some green matter in between layers and you'll have great stuff.

A lot of people say put bins in full sun but not everyone has that luxury. I recently moved mine to a shady area and the compost is coming along just fine. It's really the contents and level of moisture that cook it, not sun or lack of sun.

As for rats, I can't imagine they'd want to live in hot chicken poo. Just never add any foodstuffs or veggies to the bin and they should stay away.

[Bogof]

Thanks a lot. Would grass cuttings be ok between the poo layers?

[Trillium]

They'd be great but don't put thick layers of it in the bin. Air can't get through and they'll turn into a slimy mess. About an inch at a time would keep the compost cooking and if you add some small twigs in the grass mix, this will allow more air. You can also use weed tops (never roots or weeds that have seeded) which will add lots of nutrients to the mix.

[grinling]

I have chicken wire under my compost bins to stop rats going in.