I would hesitate to put chicken manure in the bin unless it is WELL composted. Fresh chicken manure is probably one of the "hottest" manures, it will raise the temps in the bin and possibly cook your new worms, especially since ENC's like it a little cooler then the EF's.

If you have some that has been composted for a while, say a month (if cold composted), go ahead and use it. But with all things worm related I would use it in moderation.

katj75
thank you, i got to thinking after i posted that that it would be to hot and not knowing how long it had been composing i wouldn't use it. i was just told i needed to get micros started before the worms and just got the bins set up today and the worms will be here tomorrow or the next day so no time to get micros started so i was just searching for a fast start. then was told by another two people not to stress about it they will be fine on the paper and a little peat moss to start with so......... will try and hope for the best
thanks sherie

If you have any compost made, just put a couple of handfuls in, or take some dirt from under some leaves and use that. There will be plenty of bacteria and micros in it and will start you off well. Dont worry too much, just have fun with the worms.

I would not use the chicken manure until you were sure it was composted. If you have been holding scraps go ahead and put some in the bins while you wait for the worms. That way it has a head start to decomposing before your worms get there.

Is your son excited? My daughter loves her worms, but gets upset when I talk about using them for fish bait.

Good luck

Carey