Composters can vary considerably and still perform well. However, certain elements are necessary to insure proper decomposition and to promote safe operation. The composter must have a roof which ensures year-round operation and controls rainwater and percolation of runoff water. Another necessity for all-weather operation is a concrete foundation. A weight-bearing concrete floor secures the composter against rodents or dogs and prevents contamination of the surrounding area.
Composter size is based on broiler production capacity, dead-bird size, and percent mortality.
Capacity of the first stage composter bins in cubic feet equals 0.0025 times final bird weight times farm capacity per cycle. A second stage bin of the same capacity is necessary. On farms with a large flock, a tractor-loader is used to move carcasses and composting materials. The tractor-loader will also be used to move finished compost to a storage shed or pile and then to the field for land application. Loading and managing a composter sized for a broiler farm having a 100,000 bird capacity takes about 20 minutes a day, not counting the time it takes to pick up dead chickens.