What Is Urea in Chickens?

Urea is an important compound in the biological processes of many animals and is generally excreted as urine. Chickens do not urinate but do excrete uric acid as a solid.

  1. History

    • Urea is an organic compound found in the blood of many mammals that helps trap and carry excess nitrogen from the body. In chickens, nitrogen is excreted in the form of uric acid. The nitrogen excretion process in chickens requires a different set of enzymes and chemicals than in that of mammals.

    Significance

    • Chickens excrete uric acid as a solid waste, while mammals excrete urea as a liquid. Uric acid can be identified in chicken droppings by its white coloring that usually appears as a cap on the droppings.

    Benefits

    • Although chicken manure is beneficial to plants because of its high nitrogen content, the uric acid of fresh manure can burn plants. Seasoned manure or manure mixed with bedding materials or composted is best for applying to plants and allows the nitrogen to be available without burning the roots or shoots.

    Considerations

    • Some animal feeds contain urea. If feeding chickens a feed that contains urea, the amounts should be monitored to maintain its good health. High urea and/or uric acid in the blood can indicate an illness or other problem with the kidney or liver.

    Warning

    • When handling chicken manure, wear gloves and take additional precautionary measures, such as proper hand washing and sanitary practices, to prevent salmonella poisoning and other potential illnesses.