Chickens getting to know the Compost Corral. The structure was built to help contain the compost so we can benefit from their scratching action but also keep the pile contained enough to maintain the necessary mass for thermophilic decomposition. The buff
Chickens getting to know the Compost Corral. The structure was built to help contain the compost so we can benefit from their scratching action but also keep the pile contained enough to maintain the necessary mass for thermophilic decomposition. The buff orpingtons were the most curious and quickest learners among the many breeds present.
each wall joint will come apart with the removal of a short length of rebar. Once the compost heap reaches critical mass and has time to cook, we'll take down the walls and start anew. Meanwhile, the chickens will have one last pass at the old pile–aerating it, removing weed seeds and sprouts, and feeding themselves. By then our product is finished and ready for the garden.
there seems to be a learning curve for them to figure out hop/flying in and out. Once one picked it up others followed. We also built a little ramp to help them over but I didn't see it used yet. I only work there on Mondays, so I'll take a video next week. I'm sure they'll be experts and navigating in/out by then.
I think it's 1x2" welded wire fencing, but hardware cloth should work just fine. A tighter mesh = more wire = more expense. Just need enough to hold it all in.
Chickens getting to know the Compost Corral. The structure was built to help contain the compost so we can benefit from their scratching action but also keep the pile contained enough to maintain the necessary mass for thermophilic decomposition. The buff
Chickens getting to know the Compost Corral. The structure was built to help contain the compost so we can benefit from their scratching action but also keep the pile contained enough to maintain the necessary mass for thermophilic decomposition. The buff orpingtons were the most curious and quickest learners among the many breeds present.
each wall joint will come apart with the removal of a short length of rebar. Once the compost heap reaches critical mass and has time to cook, we'll take down the walls and start anew. Meanwhile, the chickens will have one last pass at the old pile–aerating it, removing weed seeds and sprouts, and feeding themselves. By then our product is finished and ready for the garden.
there seems to be a learning curve for them to figure out hop/flying in and out. Once one picked it up others followed. We also built a little ramp to help them over but I didn't see it used yet. I only work there on Mondays, so I'll take a video next week. I'm sure they'll be experts and navigating in/out by then.
I think it's 1x2" welded wire fencing, but hardware cloth should work just fine. A tighter mesh = more wire = more expense. Just need enough to hold it all in.