Composting Dead Poultry

Author: Eldridge R. Collins, Jr., Extension Agricultural Engineer

Publication Number 442-037, November 1996

Table 1. Typical recipe for composting dead poultry
Ingredient Parts by Weight

Caked litter or manure 1.5 to 3

Dead birds 1

Straw* 0.1

Water (added sparingly)** 0 to 0.5

**Table 1.** Typical recipe for composting dead poultry
Ingredient	Parts by Weight
Caked litter or manure	1.5 to 3
Dead birds	1
Straw*	0.1
Water (added sparingly)**	0 to 0.5

* Other carbon sources may also be used such as peanut hulls, sawdust, or shredded cellulose paper. However, straw has been shown to be an excellent material for this purpose.

** The requirement for water will vary depending on moisture content of straw, litter, and other factors. Too little moisture or too much moisture may adversely affect composting. The mixture should be damp, in the range of 40-60 percent moisture. If moisture is required, it should be added to each element during the layering process while building the compost stack.

Return to Composting Dead Poultry