Where to Buy Chicken Manure – A Complete Guide

Chicken manure is one of the best natural fertilizers you can use in your garden. It’s rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients that are essential for plant growth. Chicken manure helps condition the soil, improve drainage and water retention. It also contains beneficial microorganisms that help suppress plant diseases.

If you want to buy chicken manure, you have several options

Local Feed Stores or Co-ops

Many local feed stores or agricultural co-ops sell chicken manure, usually by the bag or in bulk The manure is often sourced locally from poultry farms

Advantages of buying from a local store

• Support small/local businesses
• Lower cost
• Often sold pre-bagged for convenience
• Can inspect and smell product before buying

Some drawbacks:

• Limited selection
• Quality can vary
• May need large vehicle to transport bulk purchases

Ask at your local feed store or check their website to see if they carry chicken manure. Popular national chains like Tractor Supply Company also sell it seasonally.

Online Stores

Several online stores sell bagged, dried chicken manure that can be shipped directly to your door.

Some of the most popular online sellers include:

• Amazon – Carries various bag sizes from multiple brands, ships via Prime.

• Home Depot – Sells Nature’s Care and Espoma brands in 25 lb bags. Offers free shipping over $45.

• Walmart – Carries Expert Gardener and Organic Mechanics chicken manure. Free shipping on orders $35+ or free store pickup.

• eBay – Individual sellers offer chicken manure, compare seller ratings.

Benefits of ordering online:

• Convenient, delivered to your home
• Wide selection of brands/sizes
• Can buy large quantities with ease

Downsides:

• Shipping costs, especially for heavy bags
• Cannot inspect product before buying
• Potential shipping delays

Make sure to factor in shipping costs on top of the product price when ordering online. Also check the seller’s refund policy in case you need to return unsatisfactory product.

Direct from a Local Farm

Getting chicken manure straight from a local poultry farm is another option. The manure will be completely unprocessed – it will contain more moisture and may have a strong smell.

You’ll need to make arrangements with a farmer near you to purchase and transport the manure. Some things to consider:

• Raw manure may need to be composted further before using
• Transporting bulk manure can be messy and difficult
• Ensure the chickens are not given antibiotics or hormones
• Get manure only from healthy flocks

Connecting with local farming networks or visiting farmers markets can help you find a poultry farm seller. This is a more hands-on approach for obtaining chicken manure.

Key Things to Look for When Buying

No matter where you buy chicken manure, inspect it closely before purchasing:

• Color – Should be a dark brown/black color. Avoid manure with green, yellow or white hues.

• Smell – A musty, ammonia-like smell is normal. Avoid foul odors like rotten eggs.

• Texture – Granular texture with some fine powder. Steer clear of manure with large clumps.

• Packaging – Bag should be intact with no rips or tears. Check for expiry dates if applicable.

• Certifications – Look for OMRI listed, CDFA registered or organic certifications to ensure quality product.

How Much to Buy?

Bagged chicken manure is usually sold in 25-40 lb bags. The coverage depends on your soil needs:

• For fertilizing an entire garden: Calculate area and buy 1 bag per 200-500 sq ft

• For individual plants: Use 2-4 lbs per large plant, 1-2 lbs for smaller plants

• For flower beds: Apply a 2-3″ layer and work into soil

• For lawns: Use 20-40 lbs per 1000 sq ft

It’s better to start small and reapply more as needed. Too much chicken manure can burn plants! Buy from a store with a good return policy in case you need to exchange excess product.

Using Chicken Manure Safely

While an excellent fertilizer, fresh chicken manure is very high in nitrogen and can damage plants if over-applied. Follow these tips for safe use:

• Allow bagged manure to dry out further before using
• Spread manure evenly and work into soil – don’t leave clumps
• Wait 2-4 weeks after application to plant seeds or seedlings
• Mix with carbon-rich materials like sawdust or dried leaves
• Don’t pile manure around plant stems or trunks
• Wear gloves and wash hands after working with manure

With proper application, chicken manure provides a slow-release nutrient boost. It’s affordable, widely available and improves overall soil health. Check local feed stores first, but don’t hesitate to order online or buy in bulk if you need large quantities.

Plants that don’t like chicken manure include acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons, as well as root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, and some leafy greens.