How do you deal with the poo? There must be a better way!

[tastylancs]

I only have five chickens but the poo they create is astounding. Some of it is as big as dog shit. They live in a part of the garden just below the house and haven't got clipped wings so often flap up yo the patio to have a stroll about. And a poo.

So every morning I'm sweeping, pouring boiling water on the black sticky ones. Picking up massive ones with garden trowel and chucking it under various bushes. Picking it out of the flower pots they've chosen to sleep in. The poo in the chicken garden area I just don't touch but thinking maybe I should.

I can't believe that everyone with chickens goes through this! How do you all manage it?

Do you feed them over and above layers pellets?

No I don't - not giving them fresh food or anything. Should I be?

Well... they poo every 10-12 minutes. 5x that for 5. You could try sectioning them into parts of the garden and keep moving the areas you’re using.

Watching with interest - getting sick of the apoocalypse in our garden....

Also watching!

Watching too...

Get a compost bin, scoop the poo up as best you can and pop it in. Makes super compost. Also disappears, you'll never fill the bin with 5 chickens.

Restrict the area of garden they're allowed with a run or fencing

I have this pooper scooper and it’s fantastic. I go over the garden every evening: 5 mins. Empty into the compost bin.

Conker thanks for the tip - I've just treated myself to a pooper scooper!

Ooh let me know what you think of it tastylancs.

I never thought I’d be excited about a pooper scooper for chicken shit! 😂

O put it in the compost bin and grow great veg, which the hens sometimes get into and try to ruin

Conker it is absolutely brilliant, little rake on one side and shovel on the other - perfect for chickens. Top recommendation thank you! And yes I now take it every other day, to compost heap, hoping to grow vegetables next year. Thank you Mumsnet, yet another problem solved!

We keep ours in a large enclosed area. Could not cope with the free ranging poo!
We do have an acre so plenty space and also protects them from foxes,dogs and children!