[Hippocrates_Garden]

Completely different tasks. leaf rake for raking leaves, and Compost fork for turning compost.

[Freeholder]

Compost fork might also be sold as a manure fork. But it should last a long time.

[Althesage]

FYI – We just broke the plastic rake we’ve had for over 5 years. I went to our local a c e hardware store and was dis-appointed at the junk I saw until suddenly there was a plastic- yes plastic double rows of tines looking at me – My initial re-action was – “this will last and work 3 times better than the last one.”

Since the I have raked up two compost piles after the chickens spread them out as well as gathering tons of leaves for a layer in garden soil we are making. Well worth $25 to me. You may want to consider taking a look.

[Woodsman]

First, you must accept the “leaf design rake” is designed to flex, and what you want it to perform requires a stiff / ridged force. Meaning, the waste from chickens would be too heavy for a flexible leaf rake.

Second, Consider a common hoe or a custom rake / hoe like stiff rake tool….

Check out such tools at “Rogue Hoe.” Or, “Leonard All Steel Straight Rake 18”.”

Finally, use a pitch fork, like a rake. You can wire some of the tines closed. Or simply shovel the chicken waste with a good close tine pitch fork.

Good luck. Keep us all posted on what you find that works best!

Thanks for the post.

[MartHale7]

My solution was to find a good set of tines, then weld it to 1/2 inch pipe short. So I made my own. Finding old tools at garage sales / actions may be the way to go. Fiberglass handles are wonderful but $…

[Woodsman]

Yep! Great way to go; if you have the means, is to customize to your needs. Love it!

To those that don’t could reposes other tools, but at a cost!

If anyone wants more ideas for repurposing another off the shelf purchased tools …. I have more suggestions.

[JoannaMaGrath]

I agree with the pitch fork for the big mass pickups. I use a metal base rake I purchased from Tractor Supply. All my rakes are between 20-30+ years old. I thought I deserved a new one because the wide being so wide I could rake up more stuff. All my metal rake handles wear out, break. I repurpose the metal rake even better by stealing the heavy wooden handles off mops or another item and fit them on my metal rakes. The bonus to this is the handle is longer and I can push the limit on the rake without breaking it…again. Most of all our equipment has been in the family so long they call it Vintage/Antique, lol. I call it built to last and yes I will continue to use it no matter the offer price I get for them. If only we could go back to this era when equipment lasted.

[SingletreeFarm]

This rake looks interesting for that application https://www.amleo.com/leonard-22-tine-forestry-rake/p/228F

[Jennilee]

A garden fork would work and last for years. You also might try a long handled cultivator to break it up. I use both of these tools often.

[TowardsJoyAndFreedom]

I find the long handled cultivator the most efficient for “re-piling” when working with chicken composting systems. I use a manure fork for non-chicken rapid compost piles where I’m doing all the turning so I can control where each fork of material goes during the turning (top to bottom, outer to inner).

[Jypsy19]

This is my favorite tool for turning my compost. Lol

[tg9r]

😄 For sure! Hopefully I will work my way up to that size compost pile one day!

[tg9r]

Thanks for all of the suggestions and recommendations for retailers. I have already started shopping a couple of them.

I will try this rake and hope for good results.

[R-N]

Is the head metal or plastic?

Looks intriguing.