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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/chick-manure

About how much of the feed a hen eats comes back out as manure?

About 40 percent. You need a plan for all that manure.

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  1. About 40 percent ✔
  2. About 20 percent
  3. About 80 percent

Why: Kentucky Extension says hens use about 60 percent of their feed and pass the other 40 percent as manure. You need a plan for it, such as composting it for a garden.

Huh, didn't know that: Minnesota says manure composting in deep bedding releases heat that keeps chickens warm in cooler months.

The dad joke
Why did the hen start a compost pile? She wanted to give something back to the garden.
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References

Answer: About 40 percent. Kentucky Extension says hens use about 60 percent of their feed and pass the other 40 percent as manure. You need a plan for it, such as composting it for a garden.

  1. University of Kentucky: 10 backyard chicken basics exclusives.mgcafe.uky.edu/2023/anr/10-backyard-chicken-basics
    hens use about 60% of the feed they consume and excrete the other 40% as manure. You must have a plan for that manure.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. University of Minnesota Extension: Raising chickens for eggs extension.umn.edu/small-scale-poultry/raising-chickens-eggs
    Composting releases heat, which keeps chickens warm in cooler months
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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