Used to dump all my kitchen scraps in one pile for the chickens, now I'm a rotation believer

Back when I started with 4 hens 3 years ago, I just tossed leftover veggie peels and old lettuce into a single spot and called it good. Then I noticed they'd scratch through it fast and leave some to rot, attracting flies and a smell that had my neighbor complaining. Switched to rotating 3 small compost piles, moving them to a fresh area every week, and the chickens actually eat everything now with way less waste. It took me about 6 months of trial and error to realize the spread-out method keeps the flock busy longer and keeps the yard cleaner. Anyone else stick with one feeding spot or did you switch it up too?

2 comments

2 Comments

fisher.charlie10d ago

I did pretty much the exact same thing with my 6 birds back in 2021. Started with one pile behind the coop and ended up with a massive fly problem and half-rotted squash everywhere. Switched to 4 small rotation stations about 15 feet apart and it made a huge difference. The hens actually work the piles more evenly now instead of just picking out the best bits and leaving the rest to stink. Plus moving the piles around keeps the ground from getting all muddy and gross in one spot. Rotating changed everything for me too, wish I figured it out sooner.

abby30810d agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, rotating is the real deal @fisher.charlie... wish I'd done it year one.