cooker Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Slighty odd question, we emptyed out our compost heap onto the veggie patch this weekend and I was a little concerned as to whether I should be concerned about the chickens scratching around in the compost. Our compost bin consists on mostly old chicken bedding and poo, with the occasional dash of veggie peelings. I dont put anything else into the compost. When I emptyed out the compost bin there was loads and loads of worms in there...of course, the girls got very excited and wanted in...but I was a bit concerned about them scratching in the compost... can anyone help? should I be putting anything in my compost to make it 'safe' so I can be sure there are no nasty bugs lurking in it? Thanks, Rachel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 No idea but if you worm them every 3 months you should kill off any old worm eggs they ingest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve the Gas Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 They should be fine - mine will not eat wasps for e.g. but worm regularly anyway.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 You should see what farmyard chickens scratch around in .... it's enough to put you off eggs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powerlady Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Mine scratch around in my compost heap, they love it!! Just make sure they are wormed regularly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Don't let them in there.....!!!! ....not for any safety reason (...well, not that I know of...other than making sure you worm regularly as already mentioned) but because they'll eat your worms and you need worms to help turn that pile of waste into beautiful compost!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 If I'm working with the compost heap (turning it or whatever) I have to fence myself off from the chooks. It really is quite funny/sad to see three hens with their heads through the Omlet netting, straining to reach all the worms they can see but can't reach!! But it's the only way I can do what I need to do - if they are allowed to "help" the job takes at least 10 times longer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooker Posted November 3, 2010 Author Share Posted November 3, 2010 Thanks for all your replies, that is really helpful! I did keep the girls away from it, I could see Ruth straining to get close, I fear she would've gobbled all the worms up and ended up with dodgy guts! I do worm them regulary, so should be ok, thankyou! What is the problem with wasps?? Rachel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
