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13. Composting facility
A roofed structure designed for composting the normal daily accumulation of dead birds from a poultry growing or breeding operation.
| How it works |
Composting converts nitrogenous materials (manure and birds) and carboniferous materials (straw or sawdust) into a humus-like substance which is an essential part of soil building and healthy plant growth.
| How it helps |
When properly managed, composting greatly reduces the volume of carcasses. Kills most pathogens. Prevents odors and produces a stable odorless humus-like material which is useful as a fertilizer substitute and a soil amendment.
By eliminating the on-site burial of large numbers of carcasses as the principal disposal method, composting facilities reduce the potential for groundwater contamination.
| Planning ahead |
Consider on-farm traffic patterns, wind direction, proximity of neighbors and topography in determining where to place the composting facility
Is a carbon source available?
What equipment is available?
| Tech notes |
Follow the suggested straw-bird-litter recipe in creating the compost pile.
Always completely cover dead birds with dry litter.
Turn and reactivate compost before applying to land.
Use a thermometer to monitor temperatures within the compost bin.
Don't pile birds against compositor walls or leave ex-posed to flies or scavengers.
Contact your soil conservation district or Cooperative Extension Service agent for assistance.
| Maintenance |
Obtain and follow the written operation and maintenance plan from NRCS. As a minimum, the instructions should detail the mix(s) to be composted, moisture content and temperature to be achieved, aeration schedule and end use for the compost.
The compost facility should be inspected at least twice a year, when empty, for structural integrity.