Page 23 - Poultry Mortality Composting

troubleshooting

Symptom Problem Recommendation

Pile fails to reach high temperatures

The pile is lacking oxygen because the material is too dense or contains too much moisture

Rebuild the pile with coarser material to allow for air to circulate

The pile is too small Increase size to at least 1.2 x 1.2 x

1.2 m (4 x 4 x 4 ft)

Winter composting with not enough of an insulation layer

Provide an insulation layer of carbon material, 300 mm (1 ft)

Pile is too dry Add water Temperature in the pile begins to drop near the end of the primary stage

The pile is lacking oxygen Turn the pile to reintroduce air and

mix the materials

The pile is lacking moisture Turn the pile and check to ensure

the moisture content is between 45 and 65%

Odour Too wet Add bulking material and turn

Too low C:N Evaluate bulking material and adjust

as necessary

Flies Inadequate cover Cover with 600 mm (2 ft) of

carbon material

Poor sanitation conditions Provide an adequate base of carbon

material to absorb all liquids from the mortalities. Provide run-on and run-off protection, due to precipitation, at the site by grading the pad to a 1-2% slope

Too wet Add bulking material and turn the

pile

Failure to reach proper temperature Assess C:N

Scavenging animals Inadequate cover Maintain 600 mm (2 ft). Avoid

initial entry with fence or barrier. Ensure the pile is heating properly

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