Rabbit Droppings for Compost

Manure Nutrients

• Compost generally contains few nutrients and functions more to improve your soil than to feed your plants. Some animals' manure, however, contains more abundant nutrients, allowing you to cut back on fertilizer. In terms of nutrient content, rabbit manure ranks at the top of the charts. Of all the livestock manures tested by "Rodale's Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening," rabbit manure contained more nitrogen and phosphorus than any other manure, at 2.4 and 1.4 percent, respectively. It contained 0.6 percent potassium, second only behind sheep manure.

Benefits

• Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the three most important nutrients for plant growth and health. When you purchase a complete fertilizer at the garden center, it contains these three nutrients. However, synthetic fertilizers add fertility without supporting the health of the soil. Rabbit manure -- in addition to providing relatively high amounts of nutrients -- also contains organic material that encourages a healthy soil better able to retain water and nutrients, aerate plant roots and resist disease-causing microbes.

Using Manure in Compost

• Applying fresh rabbit manure to gardens can damage plants because of the high nitrogen content, so manure is best incorporated into compost. Because of the high nitrogen content of rabbit manure, it works very well in hot-composting operations that make compost quickly. Mix rabbit droppings with a high-carbon source, such as sawdust, paper or dead leaves.

Safety Concerns

• As herbivores, rabbits might consume forage or garden plants that have been treated with herbicides. These herbicides often pass through the animal's system unchanged and, when used in the garden, can damage plants. To avoid problems in your garden, use manure from rabbits only when you know the animal's food source has not been treated with herbicides. All manures, including rabbit manure, can contain pathogens. You'll need to handle your compost with extra care once you add rabbit manure. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your compost. Do not use compost that contains rabbit manure for making compost tea, and use care when applying manure-containing compost to food gardens.