Poultry_When_a_Chicken_Dies
Updated: December 16, 2021

Just like humans, birds are subject to disease, injury, stress, and genetic abnormalities than can result in death. Disposal is a normal part of raising poultry. But, when the time arises, do you know how to properly dispose of dead birds? 

There are several options to dispose of birds.  Disposal methods include compost burial, incineration, rendering, composting or the landfill.  Composting is a form of animal disposal that is very efficient at killing disease causing pathogens when correctly managed. A commonly used method for instances of high mortality, composting is cautioned with small flocks due to the difficulty of maintaining high temperatures within the compost.   Check your local ordinances (including city and county) to see which methods are allowed, suggested, or prohibited. The method you choose will depend on both the daily activities with your birds and resources available.

 A overall Fact Sheet that may give more information:  Composting Animal Mortalities on the Farm