- Composting Dead Poultry Author: Eldridge R. Collins, Jr., Extension Agricultural Engineer Publication Number 442-037, November 1996 Introduction Principles of Composting Poultry Composter Design Key Construction Features Composter Operation Fly and Pathogen Control Dead Bird Compost as Fertilizer and Soil Conditioner Summary Introduction An acceptable system of disposal for dead birds is ...ext.vt.edu/pubs/poultry/442-037/442-037.html