Claire Thompson
There are several ways to dispose of chicken parts when butchering. Some people choose to compost the remains, while others bury them or feed them to animals such as pigs, chickens, or dogs. Some people also choose to burn the remains or dispose of them in the trash, although this can lead to unpleasant smells. Another option is to use the chicken parts for fishing bait or to make stock or broth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burying | A common method, but may attract predators and insects. |
| Composting | Requires proper layering and covering to prevent odour and deter predators. Bones do not compost well. |
| Feeding to animals | Organs and meat trimmings can be fed to pets such as dogs, cats, and turtles. Bones can be given to dogs as treats. Chicken parts should not be fed to chickens. |
| Dumping | Can be done in remote areas away from human habitation, where wild animals can access and dispose of the waste. |
| Freezing | A temporary solution to store waste until trash day or for future use in stock or treats. |
| Trash disposal | Waste can be bagged and disposed of with regular garbage, but proper containment is necessary to manage odour. |
| Burning | Requires a large burn area and may not be a suitable method for everyone. |
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What You'll Learn
Burying chicken parts
Firstly, it is crucial to bury the chicken parts at a sufficient depth to prevent unwanted animals from digging them up. One source recommends burying guts about 3-4 feet deep to ensure they are utilized by underground bugs without being disturbed by other wildlife. Shallow burial may attract unwanted pests and predators, such as coyotes and foxes, which can be dangerous and cause further issues.
Secondly, burying chicken parts can be smelly and unappealing. If burying in a garden or compost pile, it is important to consider the potential for an unpleasant appearance and odor. One source mentions that improper burial can result in a garden looking like a "murder scene."
To address these challenges, consider the following suggestions:
- Burying chicken parts in a designated area away from your immediate surroundings can help minimize odor and visual concerns.
- Ensure that the burial site is inaccessible to domestic animals, such as dogs, to prevent them from digging up and consuming the buried parts, which may be unsafe for them.
- Create a ""for the cat" bowl during the butchering process to collect hearts, lungs, livers, and cleaned gizzards, along with any fat or skin trimmings. These parts can then be offered to cats or other pets, reducing the amount of waste that needs to be buried.
- If you have the space, consider composting the chicken parts by covering them with two feet of wood chips. This method allows the parts to decompose and adds nutrients to the soil.
- If burying near your property, consider burying the chicken parts at the edge of your land to feed your predator population, such as coyotes, wild hogs, and buzzards. This helps satisfy their hunger and reduces the risk of them preying on your live chickens.
By following these suggestions, you can effectively bury chicken parts while minimizing potential issues and utilizing the waste in a sustainable manner.
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Composting
To compost chicken parts, create a large compost pile with a primary box. The basic formula for the compost mixture, as recommended by Dr. Murphy, consists of the following parts by weight: one part dead chickens, one-and-a-half parts poultry manure/litter (cake), one-tenth part straw (wheat), and zero to half-a-part water. The formula should provide a carbon:nitrogen ratio of 15 to 23:1 and a moisture content of 55 to 65%. The correct combination of carbon and nitrogen material and moisture content is critical for rapid and complete composting. When using a composter for the first time, weigh the materials in buckets to determine the approximate amounts of each item to add. Unless the litter is extremely dry, water is usually unnecessary. Other products that can be used in place of straw include hay, cornstover, and dried grass.
It is important to note that bones do not compost well and may need to be crushed before adding them to the compost. Additionally, feathers can be added to the compost, but they should be spread out to prevent clumping, and the compost should be covered to prevent feathers from blowing away.
When composting chicken parts, it is crucial to follow proper procedures to avoid attracting predators or creating unpleasant odours. One method is to layer the chicken parts with other organic materials, such as garden waste, grass clippings, and chicken poop. This helps to mask the scent and discourage scavengers from digging up the remains.
Some people choose to bury their compost piles in their gardens or orchards, especially if they have fencing to protect against digging by dogs, coyotes, or other animals. However, burying chicken parts can be risky, as it may not be deep enough, and it is important to consider local laws and regulations regarding the disposal of animal remains.
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Feeding to other animals
While some people are uncomfortable with the idea of feeding chicken parts to other chickens due to concerns about cannibalism and the spread of diseases such as mad cow disease, others argue that cooked chicken is safe and provides a good source of protein for the birds. Some people also mention that they feed chicken parts to their chickens without issue. However, it is generally recommended to avoid feeding raw chicken to chickens, as it may increase the risk of disease transmission and cause them to associate the taste with their flockmates.
If you have dogs, they can be fed the usable organs, meat, and fat trimmings, as well as bones for treats. However, it is important to note that chicken bones can be dangerous for dogs, so they should be monitored while eating them. Some people also dehydrate the organs to make dog treats. If you have cats, they can be fed the meat and fat trimmings, as well as bones for soup stock.
Chicken liver is also mentioned as a popular fish bait. If you have turtles, they can be fed the liver and lungs as a nutrient-rich treat. People with chickens also mention feeding the birds the leftover bones to pick clean.
For those with larger properties or access to wooded areas, some suggest disposing of the waste by allowing nature to take its course. Wild animals such as coyotes, wild hogs, and buzzards can feast on the remains. Burying or composting the waste is another option, although it may attract insects and predators.
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Using for fishing
Chicken parts can be used for fishing, either as bait or to catch smaller animals that can then be used as bait for larger fish. Here are some ways to use chicken parts for fishing:
Using Chicken as Bait
Chicken liver is a popular choice for bait, especially for catfish. Its strong scent and bloody appearance make it attractive to fish. To use chicken liver as bait, cut it into small pieces and secure it onto your fishing hook. You can also wrap the liver in pantyhose or cheesecloth to hold it together on the hook, or freeze it beforehand to make it more durable and easier to hook. Chicken skin is another effective option due to its durability and strong scent. Cut the skin into strips and hook it onto your fishing hook. Raw chicken can also be used as bait for catfish, but it may be tricky to keep on the hook.
Catching Smaller Animals for Bait
As suggested by a user on Reddit, chicken can be used to catch smaller animals such as freshwater crawfish or saltwater crabs. These smaller animals can then be used as bait to catch larger fish. This two-step process may be more effective than using chicken directly as bait for larger fish.
Other Considerations
When using chicken as bait, it is important to use the appropriate techniques. Ensure that the hook is securely embedded in the chicken piece to prevent it from falling off during casting or when a fish bites. Adjust the depth of your bait according to the species of fish you are targeting. For bottom-feeding fish like catfish, set your bait near the bottom; for fish that swim closer to the surface, such as carp, suspend the bait at a shallower depth.
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Throwing out with the trash
Throwing chicken parts away with the trash is a common method of disposal, but it can be tricky to manage the smell. Some people suggest freezing the chicken parts until trash day to avoid this issue. One person notes that they put their food garbage in double-knotted plastic grocery bags in the fridge until trash day, which helps save energy in a small household. Another person mentions that they freeze chicken fat, skin, and areas they don't use in vacuum bags and then use them for stock.
If you have a lot of chicken parts to dispose of, you may need to throw them away before your trash bin fills up or becomes too smelly. One person suggests using Lysol on the trash can to help with the smell, but they note that this doesn't always work. Another option is to bury the chicken parts, but this can attract predators, and it may not be feasible if you don't have a large enough area.
Some people also suggest composting chicken parts, but this requires a large enough compost bin and proper covering to avoid smells and pests. One person describes their method of composting, which involves making a big pile and adding layers of garden waste, grass clippings, and chicken poop to bury the chicken parts. However, they note that bones don't compost very well.
Overall, while throwing chicken parts away with the trash is an option, it requires careful management to avoid issues with smell and pests. Freezing, burying, or composting can help, but each method has its own considerations and may not be suitable for everyone.
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