The local Virginia Cooperative Extension Office, NRCS, or DSWC can provide more information on soil testing, litter analyses, equipment calibration, record keeping, and other areas related to poultry litter land application. Return to Table of Contents . Incineration Burial Composting of poultry carcasses has become the method of choice for disposal of normal mortality losses on Virginia poultry farms. Must provide for complete decomposition of carcasses-only minimal amounts of feathers and bones remaining. Must be adequately protected from flies so that larvae are not a problem.
Composter design can vary considerably and still work well.
However, experience indicates that certain features are common to all good composters. Some materials are composted outside. However, this is not recommended for dead bird compost. A roof ensures all-weather operation, and helps control rain, snow, runoff, and percolation which can be major concerns. A concrete floor is recommended to assure all-weather operation, and to secure the composter against rodents, dogs, and other nuisances.