How to get the BEST from your Hens

Bulletin #10

Waste Disposal

1. Poultry Litter

The disposal of poultry litter is accomplished by sales of the by-product to coffee farmers, Bauxite companies for use in land reclamation and organic fertilizer producers one of whom is a member of the egg industry cluster. Used Poultry litter removed from poultry houses and stored outdoors provides an ideal breeding ground for flies and a haven for rodents. The odour emanating from the wet litter is offensive and if the farm is located close to residential areas severe discomfort for those residents is possible. Poultry litter should be stored in bags or bulk under cover and kept dry and disposed of as quickly as possible.

2. Dead Birds

On most farms dead birds are either cremated or buried. Farmers however should be encouraged to establish simple composting facilities to produce and organic manure from both dead birds and litter thereby creating a supplemental income source.

3. Spent Hens

A real problem for the local producer is the disposal of spent hens. Unfortunately there is no market for the meat of spent hens locally. A fair quantity is donated to organisations that feed the poor and destitute and some are sold as recycled hens to individuals in the inner city.

4. Packaging

Egg boxes are to some extent recycled but this practice is a clear breach of Biosecurity. Damaged egg boxes are usually burnt on the farm compound a practice that is to discouraged.