Using Chicken Manure Safely in Your Garden for Optimal Growth

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As a gardener, you’re always on the lookout for natural and sustainable ways to enrich your soil and promote healthy plant growth. One such organic resource that’s gaining popularity is chicken manure. (aka chicken poop)

Rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, chicken manure can be a valuable addition to your garden’s feeding program. In fact, it can have twice the nitrogen and phosphorus content of cow manure.

“Poultry manure, properly handled, is the most valuable of all manures produced by livestock” 

various chickens in pen with straw on the ground

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Not only is chicken poop an organic source of fertilizer it also feeds the soil microbes. It is really the soil microbes that turn all that garden goodness into something the plants can utilize efficiently.

Their lovely leavings are one reason I keep chickens, they are the best little composters and turn kitchen trash into garden gold!

Not only do the chicken droppings get swept up from the chicken pen floor but so do the straw, wood shavings, feathers, feed they may scatter, and other debris which also adds to the nutrient mix.

However, there are some things you need to do before using chicken manure in the garden. A bit of education and caution is needed to avoid potential risks.

In this blog post, we will explore how you can safely and effectively use this garden gold in your garden for optimal plant growth.

Benefits of Chicken Poop Fertilizer

Chicken poo is an excellent source of organic matter and essential nutrients that can benefit your garden. However, it’s essential to understand a few key points before you start using it in your garden.

Composted chicken manure provides a slow-release source of macro- and micronutrients and acts as a soil amendment. This benefit can last years.

Tea with the Ladies, FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

Compared to other manures, the chicken droppings, and accompanying litter are higher in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, and are also rich in organic matter.

The addition of this organic matter to your soil increases its water-holding capacity, improves aeration and drainage, reduces erosion, reduces fertilizer leaching, and improves the soil’s structure.

Fresh chicken manure is high in nitrogen, which is a necessary nutrient for plant growth but can burn plant roots if not composted properly.

The good news is chicken poop can be composted in about five to six weeks. Compost piles should be 3’x3′ by 2 feet high. This is where my DIY Compost Bin is very handy.

lay frames on side to attach drops of fence boards

I’ll let you in on a secret: I often put litter fresh from the chicken pen out on my flower beds in the Fall after things are going dormant and the soil has cooled.

It composts in place over winter while the plants aren’t drawing up nutrients so the risk of it burning roots is negligible. (test at your own risk) It does have a lot of straw and brown matter or carbon in it too.

Composting Chicken Manure

Composting chicken manure is a crucial step in using it safely in your garden. Composting not only reduces the risk of burning your plants but also helps break down the manure into a form that is more easily absorbed by plants.

To compost it, create a compost pile or bin that consists of a mix of chicken manure and carbon-rich materials like straw, wood shavings, rice hulls etc. (these things are often added to the chicken pen or coop as bedding) Add some water to moisten.

Turn the compost pile regularly to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process. So grab your garden fork and get to work.

garden fork turning compost in wooden compost bin

A game changer for me is using this compost turning tool, it really works and it is easy enough for a wimpy person like me to get the job done.

Composting “cools” the manure and litter material mix. What is meant by that is it reduces the ammonia content so it will no longer burn plants.

It also reduces the total volume, weight, and odor of the pile. So if you fill your composter to the top after several weeks it will be about half the size.

Additionally, composting stabilizes nutrients enabling a slow, long-term release over a few years.

Finally, the temperatures generated in the composting process will kill most pathogens and weed seeds. (this is true if you keep turning it to keep it hot during the process)

many varieties of chickens free ranging

Applying Chicken Manure in Your Garden

Once your chicken manure is composted, it’s time to apply it in your garden. You can use chicken manure as a top dressing or mix it with your garden soil.

Avoid applying fresh chicken manure directly to your plants, as it can burn their roots. Apply the composted chicken manure on your garden soil before planting most vegetables and flowers.

For heavy feeders like tomatoes, peppers, and corn, you can increase how much you use. Be sure to water your garden thoroughly after applying composted chicken manure fertilizer to help nutrients penetrate the soil to be absorbed by the plants.

Other Precautions and Tips:

Use chicken manure sparingly!

While chicken manure is a potent source of nutrients, using too much can result in an imbalance of nutrients and harm your plants.

Start with a small amount and monitor the response of your plants before adding more. (remember this acts as a slow release so be patient)

Wash your hands

Chicken manure may contain harmful bacteria, so always wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling it. Be extra careful if you have any cuts on your hands!

Avoid using chicken manure on edible parts of plants

To minimize the risk of contaminating your vegetables or fruits, avoid using chicken manure on the edible parts of plants that come into direct contact with the soil, such as leafy greens or root vegetables.

radishes, grow a vegetable container garden

Stick to using it for non-edible plants or apply it well before planting edible crops. (I deep mulch with it in the Fall and let it compost in place over winter on my veggie beds)

Consider the source of chicken manure

If you are sourcing chicken manure from a backyard flock, ensure that the chickens are healthy and free from any medications or antibiotics.

Manure from commercial chicken farms may also contain traces of chemicals or contaminants, so be cautious when using it in your garden.

Combine with other organic matter

To further enrich your soil, consider combining chicken manure with other organic matter such as compost, straw, or leaves. This will create a well-balanced and nutrient-rich soil mix that promotes healthy plant growth. (this was mentioned before but bears repeating)

Test your soil

Regularly test your soil to monitor its nutrient levels. The number one mistake home gardeners make is the over-fertilization of their soil. Remember, less is more.

Yes, even organic amendments can be too much.

Store and handle chicken manure properly

If you have excess chicken manure, store it in a well-ventilated area away from your house and water sources.

Avoid letting it come into direct contact with your skin or inhaling its dust. When handling chicken manure, use proper protective gear such as gloves and a mask.

Chicken Pellets

If you want the benefits of using chicken manure with less bother then try using Chicken Pellets. Many feed supply stores and even Amazon carry it.

You can also find chicken manure in bags at many garden centers and local plant nurseries.

So just know that chicken manure can be a valuable and sustainable source of nutrients for your garden when used correctly.

By composting it, applying it properly, and utilizing necessary safeguards, you can use chicken manure to build the health of your soil and get a beautiful garden!

All the best garden tips

Cow Manure

Another great choice! Supercharging Your Garden: Using Cow Manure
You may be surprised at some of its super powers!

Happy gardening!

Hi, I’m Pamela

I am a 40-year master gardening enthusiast who loves to share the simple tips, tricks, and inspiration I have learned from personal experience.
My goal is to cultivate the love of gardening and help make your gardening life more enjoyable!
a Garden Friend!

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One Comment

  1. Good information!
    Do you have an article about using cattle manure?

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