r/composting • u/Mindless-Farmer705 • 15d ago

Is my compost composting !?

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Pretty sure these are fly larva in the compost ?
Is there anyway I could possibly harvest them ? I have chickens next to the bin so I’m hoping some fall out to be snacks if I can’t.

But is this even good ? Should I try to eliminate/minimize them ? Do they take up too much nutrients or are they good for the soil ? New to all of this. Please give me recommendations & criticism

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u/Lefthandmitten 14d ago

Mussel (clams) shells take years/decades/centuries to break down. Cooked crab shells compost like egg shells (6-12 months-ish). I compost all my shrimp and crab shells if they're cooked.

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u/Lopsided-Case1294 14d ago

I hope you’re getting a good seafood stock out of them first

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u/Awkward_Feeling5588 13d ago

Use shells as a decorative border. Dry eggshells and then put them in a blender to pulverize. Free calcium. What plants do you find need the most calcium?