Chicken-Powered Three-Stage Compost Bin

Chickens are way better than people at composting: they have unlimited patience, pre-installed garden-tool feet, integrated nitrogen/potassium/phosphorus dispensers, and an insatiable urge to scratch. So why not put them to work?

Interested parties are encouraged to Google the benefits of a three-stage composting system: you'll come up with a huge, steaming pile of expert testimony, along with copious shovelfuls of plans far better than this one. There are versions out there made of pallets, wire mesh, steel paneling...

Our composter is built using the cheapest (non-treated) wood we could find, and is designed with chickens in mind: should they try to hop up on the slanted roof and jump the fence, they will fail hilariously. The front panels are removable to allow easy critter access, and the lids (roofs?) stay open for easy human intervention.

Note: I entered a Photo 'ible version of this one in the "Garden" contest: if you are so inclined (and if it remains eligible), please vote here: http://www.instructables.com/id/Chicken-Powered-Three-Stage-Compost-Bin-Photos/

Thank you!

Mike Craghead

Step 1: Tools, Materials

Tools:
Circular saw
Driver/drill & bits
Hammer
Level
Tape measure

Materials:
Of course your mileage will vary but this materials list should give you an idea:

Item	Length	Quantity	For
2"x4"	10'	6	Base, front verticals
2"x4"	8'	2	Back verticals
2"x2"	8'	3	Lid/Roof
Strap hinges	4"	6	Lid/Roof
Fiberglass roofing	12'x3'	1	Lid/Roof
"wiggle board"	8'	3	Lid/Roof
1"x6" Fencing	6'	32	Back, sides, front
1"x1"	10'	3	Rails to hold in front panels
Screws	misc	lots	all
Nails	misc	lots	all

We stuck with inexpensive, non-treated pine and fir.

Comments

[Efitall]

You know, we've been using our chicken coop clean-outs to fuel our compost bin for years... I never thought to let the chickens at the actual compost itself. Absolutely brilliant!

[brandixie12]

keep chickens if you want too...its america still isnt it???

[Wazzupdoc]

Chickens rule! There are two flocks on my block in suburban Philadelphia. If you don't keep a rooster, and keep to beautiful bantam breeds, you'll have no neighborhood complaints. Complaints are what get you in trouble. Collect the eggs and give them to your immediate neighbors as peace offerings. One omlette and you are home free with the ones who would cause the problems. We refer to our girls as "decorative garden fowl".

[alaskanbychoice]

Nicely done, wish I were allowed to have Chickens here.

[Baritone Blues]

Are you sure that you are not allowed?

For the longest I thought that I was not allowed to keep chickens because I live within city limits. When I finally checked into it by looking at my city's website, it turned out that I am allowed!!

[alaskanbychoice]

Covenents here in my exact area state no livestock of any kind. I have three acres, but still can not raise chickens, cows, horses etc.,etc. If I could I woudl have a cow, a pig and some chickens and rabits.