Are you searching for the perfect organic fertilizer to make your garden thrive? Look no further than chicken manure! As an avid gardener myself I’ve discovered that this nutrient-rich natural fertilizer can transform ordinary soil into a productive growing medium. But the big question is where can you actually buy quality chicken manure without breaking the bank?
I’ve done the research and compiled this comprehensive guide to help you find the best sources for chicken manure. Whether you’re growing vegetables, nurturing flower beds, or maintaining your lawn, I’ll show you exactly where to find this garden gold.
Why Chicken Manure Makes an Amazing Fertilizer
Before diving into where to buy it let’s quickly understand why chicken manure is so darn valuable for your garden
- Nutrient-rich profile: Typically contains a balanced NPK ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium)
- Organic matter: Improves soil structure and water retention
- Slow-release nutrients: Feeds plants gradually over time
- Eco-friendly: Recycles a natural waste product
- Versatile: Works for vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs, and lawns
Top Places to Buy Chicken Manure
1. Tractor Supply Co.
Tractor Supply is one of my favorite go-to sources for chicken manure. They offer several options including
Espoma Organic Chicken Manure
- Available in 3.75 lb bags (covers about 66 sq. ft.)
- Also comes in larger 25 lb bags for bigger gardens
- Fully composted and ready to use
- OMRI listed for organic gardening
What I love about shopping at Tractor Supply is their wide selection of garden products, so you can grab other supplies while you’re there. Their stores are widespread throughout rural and suburban areas, making them accessible for many gardeners.
2. Walmart
Walmart has become surprisingly good at stocking garden supplies, including various chicken manure products. Their options include:
Espoma Organic Chicken Manure
- 25 lb bags for around $28
- Smaller 3.75 lb bags available
- Great reviews (4.9/5 stars from 66 reviews)
Fancy Chicken Pelleted Organic Chicken Manure
- 5 lb bags for about $22
- OMRI listed and USDA Organic certified
- Pelleted form for easy application
Chickity Doo Doo Fertilizer
- 4 lb bags that cover up to 360 square feet
- Specialized formulations for tomatoes and vegetables
- 4.6/5 star rating from 65 reviews
What’s nice about Walmart is the convenience factor – you can often pick up chicken manure while doing your regular shopping, and they frequently offer online ordering with delivery or pickup options.
3. Calloway’s Nursery
If you’re looking for a premium option, Calloway’s Nursery offers:
Back to Nature Composted Chicken Manure
- 1 cubic foot bags for $12.99
- 100% manure, fully composted with no fillers
- Perfect for flower beds, vegetable gardens, lawns, trees and shrubs
Calloway’s is especially good if you want expert advice along with your purchase. Their staff can help you determine exactly how much you need and how to use it most effectively in your specific garden situation.
4. Local Garden Centers and Nurseries
Don’t overlook your local independent garden centers! Many stock chicken manure products, and some advantages include:
- Staff with local gardening knowledge
- Potentially fresher products with less warehouse time
- Supporting local businesses
- Possibly lower prices without shipping costs
I’ve found some of my best garden supplies at small local shops, and they often have sales or specials that the big box stores don’t offer.
5. Online Retailers
Beyond the brick-and-mortar options, there are numerous online sources:
- Amazon: Wide selection, often with free shipping for Prime members
- eBay: Sometimes has bulk deals from small suppliers
- Specialty organic gardening websites: May offer unique formulations or bulk options
The advantage of buying online is convenience and selection, but be aware of shipping costs, which can be significant for heavier bags.
Chicken Manure Types and Forms
When shopping for chicken manure, you’ll encounter different forms:
Composted Chicken Manure
This has been properly aged and processed, making it safe to use immediately. Products like Back to Nature Composted Chicken Manure fall into this category.
Pelleted Chicken Manure
Processed into small pellets for easy application and reduced odor. Fancy Chicken and several Walmart options come in this form.
Raw Chicken Manure
Not recommended for immediate use as it can burn plants and may contain pathogens. Always look for composted or processed products unless you plan to compost it yourself.
How Much Do You Need?
Figuring out how much to buy depends on your garden size and needs:
- Small gardens/containers: A 3-5 lb bag is usually sufficient
- Medium gardens (up to 500 sq ft): 25 lb bag should cover it
- Large gardens: Multiple 25 lb bags or bulk options
Most products specify coverage area – for instance, Espoma’s 3.75 lb bag covers about 66 square feet.
Price Comparison
Based on my research, here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Retailer | Product | Size | Price | Price per Pound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tractor Supply | Espoma Organic | 3.75 lb | Varies | Varies |
| Walmart | Espoma Organic | 25 lb | $28.00 | $1.12 |
| Walmart | Fancy Chicken | 5 lb | $21.99 | $4.40 |
| Calloway’s | Back to Nature | 1 cu ft | $12.99 | Varies by weight |
| Walmart | Chickity Doo Doo | 4 lb | $5.96+ | $1.49+ |
As you can see, the larger bags typically offer better value per pound, but you’ll need to balance that against your storage capacity and how quickly you’ll use it.
When and How to Apply Chicken Manure
For best results, I recommend applying chicken manure:
- Spring: Before planting for summer crops
- Fall: To prepare beds for winter rest or fall plantings
- Growing season: Side-dress established plants (use sparingly)
Application rates vary by product, but generally:
- For vegetables: Apply 1-2 lbs per 100 square feet
- For trees and shrubs: Apply 1/2 cup around the drip line
- For lawns: Apply 5-10 lbs per 1,000 square feet
Always water thoroughly after application to begin the nutrient release process.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using chicken manure in my vegetable garden for years, and I’ve noticed a huge difference in plant vigor and production. Last season, I purchased Espoma Organic Chicken Manure from Tractor Supply and mixed it into my raised beds before planting tomatoes.
The results were amazing – stronger plants, fewer disease problems, and more tomatoes than I could possibly use! The investment was well worth it, and a 25 lb bag lasted me the entire season for my modest 400 square foot garden.
Tips for Buying and Using Chicken Manure
- Buy in off-season: Many retailers discount garden products in fall/winter
- Check for certifications: Look for OMRI listing if organic gardening is important to you
- Store properly: Keep in a dry place with the bag sealed
- Use gloves: While processed manure is generally safe, it’s still good hygiene
- Don’t overdo it: More isn’t always better – follow package directions
FAQ About Buying Chicken Manure
Is chicken manure safe for vegetable gardens?
Yes, as long as it’s properly composted or processed. All the commercial products mentioned above are safe for food gardens.
Does chicken manure smell bad?
Fresh chicken manure has a strong odor, but most commercial products are processed to minimize smell. Pelleted forms typically have the least odor.
How long does chicken manure last?
The nutrients in chicken manure release over 3-6 months, making it a good season-long fertilizer. The physical material improves soil for even longer.
Can I get chicken manure for free?
If you know someone with chickens, possibly! Local farmers or backyard chicken keepers might be willing to give away or sell manure cheaply. Just remember it needs to be composted before use.
Conclusion
Chicken manure is truly one of nature’s best fertilizers, and thankfully, it’s widely available if you know where to look. Whether you choose the convenience of Walmart, the garden-focused selection at Tractor Supply, the premium options at Calloway’s Nursery, or another source entirely, adding this natural amendment to your garden can yield impressive results.
I’ve found that investing in quality chicken manure pays dividends in healthier plants and bigger harvests. My personal recommendation is to start with a smaller bag if you’re new to using it, then scale up once you see the results for yourself.
Happy gardening, and may your plants thrive with their nutrient-rich chicken manure boost!
Have you used chicken manure in your garden? Where do you buy yours? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Layer Ash Blend With Gypsum
This mix has all of the benefits of our Layer Ash Blend, but with gypsum to provide additional calcium and sulfur. The organic matter of Layer Ash Blend with Gypsum will bind your sandy soils, break up compacted soils, and improve the nutrient holding capacity while preventing leaching. When the compost causes this blend to heat, the layer manure and gypsum react creating an ammonium sulfate-like product, giving you a quicker release.
Mix consists of: Layer Manure | DAIRY DOO | Gypsum | Sili-K
Recommended Rate of Application: 1-2 ton per acre
FOB Sears or Fennville, MI
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Gypsum Plus is an affordable way to add calcium and sulfur to the soil in the very first year. This mix will help break up compacted soils and increase nitrogen use efficiency in your crops. It also includes plenty of active microbiology to benefit the soil’s long-term health.
Mix consists of: Gypsum | Layer Manure | DAIRY DOO
Recommended Rate of Application: 1-2 ton per acre
FOB Sears or Fennville, MI
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DAIRY DOO’S line of chicken manure products blends break down crop residue, releasing even more nutrients into the soil for the next growing season.
Chicken manure products from DAIRY DOO® strengthen your soil by unlocking nutrients AND adding biology. This makes your crops healthier and better able to withstand whatever nature may have in store. In comparison, conventional fertilizers leave out the biology components and organic matter that bring soils back to life.
We know that healthy soils grow healthy plants. Healthy plants produce higher quality crops and increased yields while becoming more resistant to disease and drought – making your farm more economically efficient.
Contact us to find out which of our products would be best for your fields. With information like what crops you grew last year and what you plan to grow this year, our Soil Health Experts can make recommendations to improve your soil.
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Layer Manure is an all-natural and cost-effective soil amendment that has been used for generations. We source our chicken litter from five distinct barns located in Southwest Michigan, transporting it directly from the laying operation to your farm.
Recommended Rate of Application: 1-3 ton per acre
FOB Hamilton or Fennville, MI
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Poultry Compost is derived from Layer Manure, but composted to meet any food safety standards! Laying hens have a fixed diet, making the manure, and our resulting compost, more consistent. This compost provides organic matter, beneficial biology, and carbon to the soil.
Recommended Rate of Application: 1 yard-1 ton per acre
FOB Sears or Fennville, MI
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This blend is great for building soil health in grounds that have been underperforming. It increases the diversity of soil bacteria while activating microbes already present on your farm. The large addition of 600 lbs. of gypsum per ton also increases calcium and sulfur levels in the soil.
Mix consists of: Layer Manure | Gypsum | DAIRY DOO
Recommended Rate of Application: 1-2 ton per acre
FOB Sears or Fennville, MI
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This is a custom mix that is based around Layer Manure. It takes the best of the Layer Manure world and combines it with DAIRY DOO Compost and wood ash. This blend adds microbiological activity, calcium, silica, and carbon to the soil while also releasing locked up nutrients. This increases water-holding capacity.
Mix consists of: Layer Manure | DAIRY DOO | Sili-K
Recommended Rate of Application: 1-2 ton per acre
FOB Sears or Fennville, MI
Want more information about this or other products? Click here!