Vermicomposting, or composting with worms, is an effective method of turning organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments. Chicken droppings and rabbit droppings are two types of manure that can be used in this process. And are two common manures available on many homesteads and urban gardens. However, they come with distinct advantages and drawbacks, as well as require special precautions.
Chicken Droppings in Vermiculture
Pros
- Chicken manure is incredibly nutrient-dense, high in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are essential for plant growth.
- It can be a sustainable way to manage waste if you keep chickens.
Cons
- Chicken droppings, fresh from the source, can be 'hot' due to high nitrogen content, and potentially harmful to the worms.
- The high ammonia concentration in fresh chicken droppings can create an inhospitable environment for the worms.
- There is a potential risk of harmful pathogens in chicken manure, which might persist in the resulting compost if not thoroughly composted.
Mitigating Risks and General Advice
- It's recommended to pre-compost chicken droppings or let them age before adding them to a worm bin.
- Mix the droppings with brown, carbon-rich materials (like straw, dry leaves, or shredded paper) to balance out the high nitrogen content.
- To ensure safety, particularly when using the resulting compost on edible plants, ensure proper composting temperatures to kill off potential pathogens.
Rabbit Droppings in Vermiculture
Pros
- Rabbit manure is also rich in nutrients but is more balanced in composition than chicken droppings. This makes it less 'hot' and more immediately suitable for worms.
- It contains less ammonia and is usually free of weed seeds, due to the rabbits' digestive process.
Cons
- Although less common than with chicken manure, there's still a small chance that rabbit droppings could carry potential pathogens harmful to humans. I will add that there is a small chance for almost everything, like getting hit be a meteor or winning the lottery.
Mitigating Risks and General Advice
- Rabbit manure can typically be added directly to the worm bin without pre-composting, which simplifies the process.