Adventures in Chicken Poop: A Tale of Surprises and Experiments

Let’s explore the world of chicken poop – an often overlooked aspect of raising chickens that’s both amusing and educational. In this article, I’ll share some of my personal experiences with chicken manure, from unexpected surprises to creative experiments.

The Poetic Side of Chicken Poop

Believe it or not, chicken poop can have a poetic side. Once, I learned this the hard way when I left a wheelbarrow full of chicken manure and soiled bedding out in the rain. The result? A wheelbarrow full of liquid fertilizer that I enthusiastically watered a nearby curly willow tree with. The outcome was unexpected, as the top half of the tree appeared scorched, resembling the aftermath of a blowtorch.

The Mystery of “Hot” Chicken Manure

The term “hot” manure is often used to describe chicken droppings high in nitrogen. The precise reason why too much nitrogen at once is harmful to plants remains a mystery. Some believe it’s due to the readily absorbable nature of nitrogen by plants, causing an excessive uptake that can lead to “burning.” Chicken manure’s high nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio (NPK) makes composting a crucial step before its use.

The Great “Manure Tea” Experiment

My experiments with chicken manure didn’t stop there. I once placed chicken droppings in a five-gallon bucket, added water, and stirred it like a witch’s brew. After diluting the mixture, I used it in my yard. The results were inconclusive, but at least it didn’t harm my plants.

Chicken Tractors and Landmines

A “chicken tractor” is a movable pen with no bottom, ideal for daily relocation. While I used to move my coop daily, it required the peculiar task of using a hose sprayer to break down chicken droppings. Strangely, it was oddly satisfying.

The Kevlar-Like Properties of Straw and Poop

Using straw for bedding in a chicken coop has its own set of challenges. Over time, it forms a dense mat that’s harder to remove compared to using wood shavings. I even tried spreading the soiled straw across my backyard and mowing it to speed up decomposition.

The Prolapsed Vent Dilemma

Dealing with a hen with a prolapsed vent isn’t for the faint of heart. Yet, after a warm bath and careful handling, I managed to push the prolapsed vent back in – if only temporarily.

Chicken Manure as a Valuable Commodity

Surprisingly, some people treasure chicken manure. I once offered “free chicken manure” online, and people eagerly collected it. Urban organic gardeners found it to be a valuable resource.

Beware of Wood Shavings and Emerging Plants

Using wood shavings laden with fresh chicken droppings directly on emerging perennials can have unintended consequences. Calla lilies, for instance, came up with melted tops due to the shock of nitrogen.

The Unfortunate Uprooting of Tulip Bulbs

Allowing hens to roam freely in the garden can lead to unexpected outcomes. In my case, tulip bulbs were uprooted but not eaten. Reburying them became a springtime adventure.

Grass and Chicken Coops – A Rocky Relationship

Moving chicken coops and grass don’t always mix. Sowing grass seed on a patch created after relocating a coop led to sizzling grass seed on still-too-hot soil.

Surprising Grass Growth After Chicken Poop

Chicken poop-runoff can have surprising effects. It made the grass below it grow exceptionally green, resulting in a checkerboard pattern.

Chicken Poop Scented Aromatherapy

One experiment involving watering chicken poop didn’t go as planned, creating an unpleasant aroma. I learned that dry chicken manure doesn’t smell, but add water, and the scents of nature become more pronounced.

The Super-Glue Properties of Chicken Poop

Dealing with chicken poop in nest boxes isn’t always a straightforward task. Cleaning often requires a thorough scrub with soap and water due to the “super-glue” properties of chicken poop.

Chicken Poop vs. Cat Poop

Given the choice, many would prefer chicken poop over cat poop any day. Cat poop is larger, smellier, and more invasive.

The Curious Case of Chicken Droppings on a Neighbor’s Porch

One day, my hens mysteriously gathered on my neighbor’s front porch and left their calling cards. I had to scrub their surprises off the concrete, still wondering why they did it.

The Challenge of Growing Grass Where a Chicken Coop Once Stood

Moving a chicken coop often leaves behind a patch of land that resists grass growth. Grass seed sizzles upon contact with the ground, resulting in a bald spot. My solution? Planting pumpkins and creating a checkerboard of light and dark green in the lawn.

Conclusion

Dealing with chicken poop is just one aspect of being a chicken keeper. There are ups, downs, and plenty of opportunities for unique experiments and experiences. Despite the occasional mishap, raising chickens can be a truly rewarding adventure. Enjoy your chickens, their eggs, and the surprises they bring!