Levels of ammonia are not a problem, since the composting litter does not release as much ammonia as single-cycle litter systems. Finished compost absorbs ammonia, and the litter may be held long enough for significant development of microbial populations that can convert the ammonia to organic forms. The deeper litter may become more chemically suited to undergoing reactions wherein ammonia and carbohydrates form organic nitrogen compounds. There are other grower advantages to in-barn composting litter. Composting litter gives young chicks a warmer floor in the winter, and a drier floor all year around.
Chickens stay very clean.
Much less new litter has to be purchased. Composting litter also provides nutrients such as vitamin B-12 to chickens. The only real odors in the barns are the body odors of the chickens and the smell of ammonia. The composting litter does not attract flies or other insects, and there are no screens to keep them out of the barns. Of course, major goals of litter management are maintaining good hygiene and raising healthy birds.