Chicken Manure
Top Three Uses for Chicken Manure
Chickens are passive farm creatures that provide a source of food, eggs and copious amounts of chicken manure. As with most members of the fowl family, their digestive systems work quickly; processing ingested food to waste in short amounts of time. When a large flock of chickens are kept, the amount of manure produced can rapidly accumulate. Finding practical uses for all of this waste can be beneficial to the farmer as well as the individuals who utilize it.
One might think that, as a waste product, manure would have few useful applications. Research is continually being conducted, however, to make use of the byproducts of not only chickens but numerous other farm and zoo animals in order to reduce the accumulation of the waste as well as to provide an inexpensive alternative to other elements. It has even been studied for its application as a type of fuel that could be used in the operation of various engines. In the case of chicken manure, there are three distinct uses that make it a valuable asset.
Rich in nutrients, manure is highly beneficial to plant growth. Waste material from chickens is a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; all essential elements for successfully growing plants. When the manure is properly composted, it will provide one of the most effective fertilizers for your garden and plant life. As with any manure, fresh waste is much too strong and will burn tender, young plants. Composting can take several months, so finding the source for the manure and beginning early is essential. In addition to the raw manure, you will need dry leaves, straw or wood shavings to mix in a large bin. Any scraps of vegetable peelings, coffee grounds or grass clippings can also be added. Water this mixture well and cover; turning it for even composting. A few tips to remember when making and using compost; always wear gloves when handling compost, ensure the proper aging of the manure and wash vegetables grown in the composted soil before eating.
An unlikely and little known fact about chicken manure is that is used as a feed ingredient in animal food. As a dried and processed waste product, the chicken waste is a high source of protein and fiber. Although the idea of adding waste to animal feed is a strange and likely a distasteful concept to many, it is a nutritionally safe and environmentally friendly option for utilizing the manure. There are strict specifications under the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) which regulate the production, marketing and distribution of animal foods. Regulations dictate that the waste cannot contain any levels of drugs or pesticides, harmful organisms or parasites.
Fuel prices are on a continual roller coaster, with costs rising and falling on a regular basis. Studies for alternative fuels are always being conducted, with the concentration on lowering costs while also having less impact on the environment. Chicken manure has not only been the focus of such studies but has actually been proven to be successful used as fuel, not only for operating vehicles but also for heating homes. When manure is heated to a steady temperature, a methane gas is produced which can be collected and stored to be used as fuel. Not just any fuel; the chicken waste develops a renewable fuel source, a valuable asset in today’s climate. A plant is scheduled to be built in South Carolina later in 2010.
With an abundance of chicken waste available, finding viable uses for putting it into beneficial applications is not only smart but economical as well. These three are the top uses thus far; who knows what further uses may still be on the horizon.