The composting process is carried out by bacteria and fungi which digest the organic material and reduce it to a stable humus. If any of these elements are lacking, or if they are not provided in the proper proportion to one another, the microorganisms will not flourish and will not provide adequate heat. The ratios of these elements ideal for composting dead birds are provided in detail in the Composter Management and Operation section of this publication. During the composting process oxygen is used up quickly by microorganisms inside the compost pile. Aerating the compost by turning it allows oxygen to be resupplied to these microorganisms and for the composting process to continue at a rapid rate.
Water is essential to the growth of any living organism.
Composting microorganisms thrive in moist, but not soggy, conditions. Desirable moisture levels in the composting materials should be 40 to 60 percent. A temperature in the range of 130o to 150oF inside the composter pile is evidence that a composter is working well and that the composter environment is suitable. These high temperatures are produced by the biological activity of the microorganisms that are breaking down the organic material in the pile and are beneficial to the composting process. The heat produced by the microorganisms not only contributes to their own growth, but also speeds up the decomposition process and helps in killing pathogenic microorganisms.