Chicken Compost - Designing the System

www.edibleacres.org
Our chickens generate about 4 wheelbarrow loads of compost a week during the summer that we can transplant directly into and grow a tremendous amount of crops in. In exchange for that, they give us 12-16 eggs a day. And they cost us about a penny per bird per day. Our main expense is buying in millet and sunflower seed. The other whole grains we barter for, and we collect compost scraps from local organic sources, as well as hay and wood chips to make the basic bulk mix.
This system has evolved steadily over time, there is much more to learn and understand, but the basic pattern feels reliable and functional and we're excited to share it with others so they can take from it what ever components feel most useful.
www.edibleacres.org/ - our permaculture nursery in NYS
Edible Acres is a full service permaculture nursery located in the Finger Lakes area of NY state. We grow all layers of perennial food forest systems and provide super hardy, edible, useful, medicinal, easy to propagate, perennial plants for sale locally or for shipping around the country...
www.edibleacres.org/purchase - Your order supports the research and learning we share here on youtube.
We also offer consultation and support in our region or remotely.
www.edibleacres.org/services
Happy growing!

[@tiffywiffles]

I WANT TO SEE YOUR COMPOST UNDER A MICROSCOPE SO BADLY! You have all the right ingredients for literally "perfect" compost. I want to seeeeeeee it!!!!

[@tylerehrlich1471]

I've smacked my head several times at how elegant some of your systems are. Why didn't I think of that?!

[@mikepoddar]

this is by far the best video I have seen for feeding chicken. please post more and more videos, let us know how many chicken you can feed with the amount of compost you generate?

[@michelleparson7475]

Wonderful system. As a new chicken owner and gardener this in very inspiring!

[@CandiiBanks]

I tried this method after watching this video and unfortunately my chicken died from eating the composting food 🥺🥺 she developed bacterial infection in her crop

[@alexmurray7031]

Such an amazing system.. I hope you are very successful. All of your videos have been so inspirational to me. I come from the suburbs but started working on a farm a few years ago and my life has completely changed. I'm 22 years old and now all I want to do is work naturally with the land and just make it abundant and plentiful. I've enjoyed your videos so much, especially the one about hand digging irrigation ditches. I found it sooo natural and awesome. I would love to some day come out to your farm and do some work for you for a few days and learn a few things in the process.

[@edibleacres]

Thanks Alex. It's been a great adventure exploring and learning as we go. Lots of labor, but nothing special beyond doing things and then watching and learning and then doing more. Sounds like an exciting path you are on, I wish you all the best! If you know you'll be aiming towards the Finger Lakes area of NYS give a holler!

[@thuffman44]

Excellent elaboration & demonstration here... Thank you for spending your time to produce this video for us to enjoy.

[@edibleacres]

My pleasure

[@hermannschmitt4031]

@@edibleacres You're my hero. man

[@hermannschmitt4031]

@@edibleacres I knew i was getting chicken for composting more than for eggs. You will shortcut my learning period. Thanks

[@thelma-mimi-dulce-blue]

I am two weeks away to moving in to my homestead and my new chickens, I have learnt a lot from your videos and I am taking notes to start using your knowledge and advice. Thank you so much for posting all these amazing videos and material 😊

[@noname-nq5zn]

Cool

[@solfeinberg437]

How nice is it to see animals and people working together. Or people working with animals letting them do what they want to do. I've noticed chickens are intensely curious about whenever I dig. It's like I'm a big chicken helping them scratch. I've also noticed that they're intensely destructive of the garden, if you don't have proper fencing in place to keep them contained to the composting area / out of the garden. Looks like you might've planted a few things for the chickens but protected them so they don't destroy the plant. I'm working on my fencing to set up a system like this.

[@7daygardener75]

Ok I’ve just got to stop this video...I’ve watched several of yours already...and I need to just thank you...you live the concept of Oneness and sharing the gifts and knowledge you have gained...there is a wealth of information on your site that will immensely help us to live better and sustain ourselves on our new land...and all of nature will benefit from all that we can glean here...I honor you for this 🙏

[@edibleacres]

Thank you for such kind words. We're just sharing what we're learning as we go, and really happy when folks resonate with it.

[@hermannschmitt4031]

@@edibleacres I thank you for that, man. My words are not as fancy, though. Peace and love

[@hermannschmitt4031]

@@edibleacres You have a lot of good common sense that was lost (by only for profit) farmers. I wish you good luck and a good fortune in your future.

[@mattyh-n5553]

Really great system. You start to realise that simple things can be the most effective. Thanks for sharing.

[@edibleacres]

Very happy to share

[@karenrouth2056]

Thank you so much for this inspiration! Came across you on youtube by accident lol! Love your ideas! Am beyond impressed that you have such a wealth of creativity in the garden despite being next to a busy road, amaaazing, Congratulations! I am going to definitely put something like this in place for my little flock as I could certainly use the compost for the veggie garden. Thank you again!

[@philliportega4902]

You have no idea how useful this was to me. I help my boss with his garden and also trying to find ways to put chicken manure to good use and I think what you've done is perfect for what he has on his property

[@1sleepeatgamealot830]

Thank you, this is wonderful! I love how your chickens follow you around

[@davidgoss3459]

We used to do this as kids in East Texas and believe me folks it works. Plus the chickens eggs are 100% better than what you get in the grocery store. Of course it doesn't hurt that this guy is super nice looking to watch. Oh, and additionally I noticed that he has some b homes on the side of his garage everybody needs those to encourage bees which pollen at your yard and flowers

[@cecilitaf]

Aren't they insect hotels??? When I purchased mine that's how they were listed on Amazon

[@Reciprocity_Soils]

Exactly what I had been looking for. Instead of building a compost bin that would have to be taken apart, I wondered how much food waste a large garden with chickens could handle as the chickens work their beautiful ways scratching, digging and pecking. The information in this video with your hands-on example, shows a lot of what is possible. Thanks so much.

[@fishmut]

Sean Reed .... hi there I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s parade however this idea useing chickens isn’t new, Paul gautschi on KZbin his videos on (back to Eden ) look it up , he produces amazingly beautiful gardens from his chickens , he calls them chicken tractors lol and they are , I do the same all my veg scraps and grasses etc go into the chickens then from there to my gardens and wow do they grow.

[@Reciprocity_Soils]

@@fishmut, great to hear. Totally understand. I could have been more clear I guess. I was only sharing information from what I had seen in other videos, i.e. Richard Perkins, as well as others, and wondering if chickens could be used in any situation like that. Chicken tractors! yes, for sure. I will look at Paul's videos. Thanks for replying.

[@Chickmamapalletfarm]

Wonderful video! It is my full intention to use my chickens this way! This is the very best system I have seen for doing this! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@jediwarrior9347]

World's most happiest chickens,!! Just wonderful to see!! God bless you!!

[@suzannaw66]

I very much appreciate the articulated blog. I will be placing an order soon.

[@Warrior-In-the-Garden]

Getting ready to start with chickens in spring- re-watching these. Still helpful and integrating some of these ideas. So grateful for your work.

[@edibleacres]

Good luck with the chickens, you'll do great! We had no game plan initially and just puttered along each year and learned as we went. The chickens were super patient, ha!

[@Michael-pd5co]

I just discovered your videos and found them both informational and inspiring. I am looking forward viewing your others. Thank you

[@danskehans]

Beautiful process. You remind me of Helen and Scott Nearing and what they did in Vermont. My hat off to you..

[@thegiantrubberduckyssqueek3163]

Those hens look happy and healthy. OMG. Thank you for your help.

[@veefriend4201]

How practical. Thank you. I have 10 hens and will certainly employ a lot of these systems. I'm a cattle panel fan and the chicken compost cattle panel hut will be a special spring project. My chicken run is approximately 35' X 40', so I plan to attach the panel quonset-hut to one side of the run with a gate at the other end, closest to the garden. Yours is one of the most practical and 'friendly' sites for a would-be homesteader.

[@strictlyconservative8777]

I love your system and can't tell you how many times I have watched this specific video! I will utillize this system as well.

[@kevinvu9802]

Very cool way to make compost and your chickens are so healthy.

[@BuckInfinidy]

Excellent. Thanks for reviewing your system.

[@nancyfahey7518]

A simple and common sense approach. Thank you for sharing. New subscriber😀

[@Kil23Joy]

Hippies got it going on, I just started a garden and we are getting some chickens after we build the coop starting hopefully this weekend. Literally just put tiller to dirt today lol. Found this very informative thank you.

[@aleksandrazalewa5694]

I can't see this video in your chicken compost playlist, believe it should be there

[@yukonjack8103]

Looks like a really good system! Thanks for sharing.

[@bgh8904]

this channel really is so great, we have been inspired so much by these videos.

[@desibellon3907]

I just love this tumble down the hill composting! I'm trying to incorporate my chickens in my garden this year. It started as a solution to having to weed between my beds, but each day I'm learning more great things that will come from this small change. Plus working in the garden is just more fun with feathered friends to keep me company.

[@rhondaborders3452]

You do know they will pick at the vegetables

[@desibellon3907]

@@rhondaborders3452 it wasn't a problem. I just put little cages around the base of the plants and they were fine. I actually got much more then past years because I didn't constantly lose plants to insect pressure

[@gratitude354]

So much of practical stuffs to learn from you...Thank You..I m glad I came across your channel 🎉

[@quranquotes9558]

So beautiful, ingenious way and so peaceful

[@christinehill1618]

This is an amazing channel! Just stumbled upon you, so grateful! You both are fabulous!!! 🐓🐤🐥🐣🐓

[@tbucknor]

Wow. Most informative and efficient turning and use of compost that I've yet seen! Thank you! Moreover, you are most considerate of your girls ^ ^.

[@newsviewstoday5689]

YES it is excellent, I hope you have also checked out some of Geoff Lawton's compost styles there are a number of them I went to permaculture school with him in Australia a genius at the production of food & land renewal.

[@kcmgfarm2389]

Extremely helpful, thanks so much for posting.

[@PermaPen]

That's a neat system! And in a surprisingly small area.

[@NadesikoRose]

How often do you turn the soil? This is a neat and interesting idea that I may try it out myself once I get my acreage purchased…

[@stuzaza]

Great stuff mate!! Love your presentation and the system is amazing

[@sheelaghomalley5459]

Some of the,healthiest looking chickens I've ever seen. Hello from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@edibleacres]

So glad you think so!

[@papasteve215]

Great system and great video. I’m getting ready to build a chicken/ sustainable garden and I’ll incorporate your ideas here. Thanks very much

[@MummaBear]

Finally a system explained that I was looking for. Perfectly demonstrated. Thank you. 😁

[@edibleacres]

Glad it helped!

[@paulacunniffe4123]

This is an awesome system! Thank you for sharing it.

[@emilykunek5064]

Very impressive and simple concepts - very inspiring

[@NarrowWayFarm]

Those are some healthy looking chickens!

[@katherinetaylor5323]

Love the video, the system looks great!

[@christinegane2426]

Brilliant information Love your setup

[@AgsiSD]

That fork is a ripper! I want one. Excellent system, thanks for sharing.

[@edibleacres]

Yeah, 5 tine or 6 tine and nice and sturdy is a perfect tool for this system I've found. Costs about $30 new.

[@soheelcanaan713]

I have just discoverd your channel ! IT IS WONDERFUL ! THANKS ALOT :)

[@mnewt712]

You explain things really well. Thank you

[@robertrembert4818]

Thanks for sharing the 3 years of experience in this! i got some chicks this past March and am now getting eggs and have a similar system in the works! Looking forward to getting the compost from there work! i have been adding horse manure to the system, as there are pieces of hay, and bugs in it. Best wishes! Having chickens is joyful journey!

[@richardmadrid2048]

Great video on composting I would never thought of that using it as a conveyor box system as one section too the next to the finished product that's a beautiful arrangement thanks for showing me that

[@edibleacres]

Always room to evolve and improve it but so far it's been working nicely.

[@jefdby]

@@edibleacres I was wondering if you revised from your winter setup for some reason? I watched the Feb 2017 video where you had piles of leaves. Would you elaborate? Or is this the summer setup and the leaves work well in winter?

[@suemcfarlane4199]

It a perfect permaculture design I love it thanks for the informative video

[@marylandsmann1175]

This is a really cool set up

[@happydays577]

What a great idea. I don't have chickens right now but will definitely look to emulate what you are doing. Seems to both give the chickens food as well as providing nutrient-rich soil for the garden.

[@luthorlex8047]

Also ignore what people say about chicks dying a lot. I bought extra to account for deaths since it's my first time. Over a month and they are all still kicking. Now I have 21 chickens 😂

[@bencapozzi]

Sean, this is great! I'm going to think about how this could be worked into my system. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@edibleacres]

Thats great Ben!

[@jamesgames4280]

Amazing ideas. I’m definitely going to make use of this info. God Bless

[@Amv-tv.]

Thanks collin parrel for very useful videos..

[@sharminikamaragoda2976]

Excellent. Learned so much. Thank you for sharing.

[@chach3794]

Thank you so very much for this video- your system is simple, yet brilliant.

[@edibleacres]

Glad it was helpful!

[@margaretruhe6019]

So clever! Excellent system!

[@happychicken]

I love how you use chickens in a circle of food chain from eggs to vegetables :)

[@caseyclover1867]

Thank you for sharing, very useful for us beginners! Much aporeciated

[@londonpickering8675]

Very informative! Thanks for posting.

[@charlissaberry2391]

Perfect video, I was looking for ways to make soil with my chickens. I have had my chickens clear out my wooded area but now I'm going to try making a system like this for my garden :)

[@edibleacres]

Best of luck! We've really enjoyed having them with this process..

[@patriotpermaculture1205]

Very useful information! Thank you!

[@futurecaredesign]

Hi there Shaun, I am currently working on the implementation of a composting system that was totally inspired by yours. My setting is a little different and slightly smaller scale, but I believe it will produce an abundance of fertility for our veggie garden and budding food forest. One adaptation that I have made is that I designed in three long straight zone 1 garden beds. Us humans will use two beds for growing veggies and the third will be for the chickens and ducks. Then, once a veggie bed comes out of production we can switch the chickens over and prepare the bed they were just in for planting!

[@edibleacres]

Sounds like a great design, I hope it works wonderfully for you!

[@tyronesart]

Brilliant as always

[@itsmenet614]

I love this!! Totally going to try this with my chickens

[@chickenlaynehomestead94]

I appreciate your content. It is very informative and applicable. Thank you.

[@basedbear1605]

Good looking flock, and well designed system.

[@kaarinakreus5569]

Thank you. What a brilliant system!

[@edibleacres]

Glad you appreciate it.

[@encryptorEJ]

Nice setup! I like your channel.

[@brent3611]

Awesome video. Thanks for the very useful thoughts and ideas. 🙏

[@JohnnyPunish]

Thx brother....gave me some great direction and ideas... super cool

[@derkadeher8369]

I like the concept, definitely think i mimic a few of your ideas

[@evelinscott2394]

Your chickens look so healthy and happy.

[@edibleacres]

Thank you!

[@juanjuan1179]

Very nice, very practical approach, Thanks Man for sharing.

[@shrachi91d]

Optimum utilization of resources in best possible way. Thanks a lot.

[@edibleacres]

You are most welcome

[@jasonross6652]

Fantastic, thanks for sharing. Why have two waste streams? Why not combine the weeds/lawn clippings etc with the food scraps?

[@marcobobafett]

Thanks a lot for your videos. I'll try to put these ideas and principles to work in southern Chile.

[@barbarastephenson6222]

this is really amazing!

[@KensGarage.]

You guys are awesome keep up the great work

[@vaslim1711]

Phenomenal! Thank you for showing me this system

[@edibleacres]

Glad you like it!

[@TheVigilantStewards]

I liked the idea of putting biochar in there and having multiple input streams. I always wondered after you start no till how to get biochar in the soil

[@busybumblebee9661]

I do love this KZbin clip, have watched this clip a few time now

[@WalkingScriptureWithShanna]

Awesome video and very intriguing!

[@erincarr9411]

Yes. Two of my favorite things chickens and compost

[@edibleacres]

They go so beautifully together!

[@mayshomesteadchronicles]

This system is pure genius 👏

[@edibleacres]

So glad ya like it!

[@yLeprechaun]

I'm really enjoying your vids. I love your system. I have some steep hills, so mine will use gravity instead of pitch fork. I know, that's cheating. You're like the micro scale Vermont Compost! I love it. Great system.

[@chris_favreau]

This is great info... Thank you for making this video

[@sheylaboucher3829]

I love that! Very inspiring. Thank you!

[@GoUnoGo]

I grow microgreens and have been composting my soil every week but this will work even better!

[@SLFYSH]

Thank you very much. This is useful information. I've been trying to work out a systematic conveyor system before making a headache. But I too have a question regarding the larger rougher pieces (such as corn cobs) building up over time since they don't break down nearly as quickly as the rest.

[@edibleacres]

Sure. I need to do a follow up video. But basically the corncobs, the woodchips, the sticks, etc., all get sifted out by the hayfork and go into a more standard looking compost ring to decompose there for a few months, then that is opened up and they work it over again.

[@patriciafransman6617]

Hi , going to my daughters tomorrow , 3 x chickens at the moment , we can’t wait to start composting , Thankyou for the inspiration , great ideas and as you said , the chickens need a job lol , thanks Sean 🇦🇺🌺

[@edibleacres]

So glad!

[@abdyvence6729]

Nice explanation. Wish I could give your 100 thumbs-up. Very informative. Hope to implement this when I have chickens in a year or two.

[@edibleacres]

Thrilled to share notes with folks that are interested in trying and evolving the ideas.

[@branimirmarold7343]

..as always, thanks and respect for sharing!

[@Dreamydazefarm]

That’s awesome 😎 great audio tons of information everything a video needs to be spectacular keep up tha great farming and videos!!!

[@tweetcrafts6077]

Love your videos,your methods, you're teaching style. Great job . Keep up the great work.