Will Chickens Eat Granular Fertilizer? Here’s The Truth

Yes, chickens will often eat granular fertilizer – and it’s a serious problem. Chickens are naturally curious birds that peck at almost anything. They’ll mistake those little fertilizer granules for food or grit. And when they do? The results can be deadly.

I’ve seen way too many backyard chicken owners learn this lesson the hard way. One day their flock is happily pecking around the yard. The next day? They’re dealing with sick (or worse) chickens.

The fact is: both synthetic and organic fertilizers can harm your chickens. Even though some sources claim organic options are “safer”, they still pose risks from bacterial contamination and other issues.

In this guide, as a professional fertilizer production line manufacturer, I’ll show you exactly what happens when chickens eat fertilizer, which types are most dangerous, and how to keep your flock safe.

Let’s dive in.

Why Chickens Are Attracted to Granular Fertilizer

Chickens have a knack for getting into things they shouldn’t.

And granular fertilizer? It’s like a magnet for them.

Here’s why:

It Looks Like Food

First up, those little fertilizer pellets look exactly like chicken feed or scratch grains.

Think about it from a chicken’s perspective. They spend their entire day pecking at small, grain-like objects. So when they see fertilizer granules scattered across your lawn?

Their brain says “dinner time!”

The Grit Connection

Chickens need grit to digest their food properly.

(Grit is basically small stones that help grind up food in their gizzard)

And guess what granular fertilizer looks like?

Yep. Grit.

So even if they don’t think it’s food, they might gobble it up thinking it’ll help with digestion.

Natural Foraging Behavior

Here’s something most people don’t realize:

Chickens are programmed to peck first and ask questions later.

In the wild, this behavior helps them find seeds, insects, and other food sources. But in your backyard? It means they’ll sample pretty much anything that catches their eye.

Including those toxic fertilizer pellets you just spread on your lawn.

Types of Fertilizers That Pose the Greatest Risk

Not all fertilizers are created equal when it comes to chicken safety.

Let me break down the different types and their danger levels:

Synthetic Fertilizers

These are the heavy hitters in terms of toxicity.

Synthetic fertilizers (like the common 13-13-13 or 21-0-0 formulas) contain concentrated chemicals that can cause:

• Severe digestive burns
• Neurological problems
• Respiratory distress
• Death within 48 hours

One chicken keeper shared a heartbreaking story about selling birds to someone who had just fertilized their lawn. Every single chicken died within two days.

The worst part?

The chickens had literally burnt their crops (the pouch where food is stored before digestion) from the inside out.

Nitrogen-Heavy Formulas

Straight nitrogen fertilizers are particularly nasty.

Why?

Because nitrogen in high concentrations is extremely caustic. It can burn tissues on contact – both externally and internally.

When chickens eat nitrogen-heavy granules, they’re essentially swallowing chemical burns.

Weed and Feed Products

Here’s where things get really dangerous:

Weed and feed products combine fertilizer with herbicides.

So not only are your chickens getting a dose of potentially harmful fertilizer, they’re also ingesting weed killers.

Double trouble.

Organic Fertilizers

Now, you might think organic = safe.

Not so fast.

While organic fertilizers are generally less toxic than synthetic options, they come with their own set of problems:

Bacterial Contamination: Many organic fertilizers contain animal manures that can harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli.

Attractiveness Factor: Some organic fertilizers (especially those with blood meal or bone meal) actually smell appealing to chickens, making them MORE likely to eat them.

Slow Release Doesn’t Mean Safe: Just because organic fertilizers break down slowly doesn’t mean they can’t harm your birds if ingested in quantity.

Signs Your Chickens Have Eaten Fertilizer

Time is critical when it comes to fertilizer poisoning.

The faster you spot the signs, the better chance your chickens have.

Watch for these symptoms:

Immediate Signs (Within 1-2 Hours)

• Standing still with eyes closed
• Refusing to move or respond normally
• Labored breathing
• Drooling or excess saliva
• Refusing food and water

Progressive Symptoms

As the toxins spread through their system, you might see:

• Vomiting or regurgitation
• Severe diarrhea
• Loss of coordination
• Tremors or seizures
• Swollen crop area

Critical Stage

Without intervention, affected chickens may experience:

• Complete loss of motor control
• Coma-like state
• Death (often within 24-48 hours)

The scary part?

Some chickens show minimal symptoms before suddenly dying. That’s why prevention is absolutely crucial.

What to Do If Your Chickens Eat Fertilizer

If you catch your chickens eating fertilizer or suspect they have, here’s your action plan:

Step 1: Remove Access Immediately

First things first:

Get your chickens away from the fertilized area NOW.

Lock them in their coop or a safe pen. Don’t let them back out until you’ve dealt with the fertilizer completely.

Step 2: Offer Fresh Water

Encourage your chickens to drink plenty of clean water.

This helps dilute any toxins they’ve ingested and can help flush their system.

Pro tip: Add a tiny bit of apple cider vinegar to their water (1 tablespoon per gallon). This can help support their digestive system during stress.

Step 3: Provide Activated Charcoal

If you have food-grade activated charcoal on hand, mix it with some wet feed.

The charcoal can help absorb toxins in their digestive system.

(But don’t delay getting veterinary help to go buy charcoal)

Step 4: Contact a Vet

Here’s the hard truth:

Most backyard chicken keepers don’t have a poultry vet on speed dial.

But if your chickens have eaten fertilizer, professional help gives them the best chance of survival.

Call around. Many farm vets or exotic animal vets can help with chickens.

Step 5: Monitor Closely

Even if your chickens seem fine initially, keep watching them for 48-72 hours.

Some fertilizer effects take time to show up.

Safe Lawn Care Alternatives for Chicken Owners

Good news:

You can have both a nice lawn AND happy, healthy chickens.

You just need to adjust your approach.

Chicken-Friendly Fertilizer Options

Several products are specifically labeled as safe around pets and wildlife:

• Corn Gluten Meal: Acts as both a fertilizer and pre-emergent weed control
• Well-Aged Compost: Provides nutrients without the chemical risks
• Liquid Organic Fertilizers: Products like fish emulsion or seaweed extract soak into soil quickly, reducing exposure risk

The key?

Look for products labeled as “safe for pets” or “child-safe”. If it’s safe for a toddler to play on, it’s generally safe for chickens.

Natural Lawn Nutrition

Here’s a mind-blower:

Your chickens can actually fertilize your lawn for you.

Chicken manure is incredibly nitrogen-rich. As your flock forages, they’re naturally spreading fertilizer around your yard.

The trick is rotation.

Use a chicken tractor or moveable fencing to give your chickens access to different lawn areas throughout the week. This prevents over-fertilization in one spot while keeping your entire lawn fed.

Liquid Application Methods

If you must use fertilizer, liquid applications are safer than granular.

Why?

Because liquid fertilizers:

• Soak into soil immediately
• Don’t leave tempting granules on the surface
• Can be watered in thoroughly
• Dry faster, reducing exposure time

Best Practices for Keeping Chickens Safe

Prevention beats treatment every single time.

Here’s how to chicken-proof your lawn care routine:

Timing Is Everything

If you absolutely must use granular fertilizer:

1. Apply it right before heavy rain
2. Water it in thoroughly immediately after application
3. Keep chickens confined for at least 3-5 days
4. Wait until granules are completely dissolved

Better yet?

Schedule fertilizer applications for times when you can keep chickens in a covered run for a week.

Create Buffer Zones

Smart chicken keepers create “no fertilizer zones” where their birds frequently range.

This might mean:

• Accepting a less-than-perfect lawn in high traffic areas
• Using physical barriers during treatment
• Designating certain areas as chicken-free during growing season

Communication Is Key

If you’re not the only one caring for your property, make sure everyone knows the rules.

I’ve heard too many stories of well-meaning family members or lawn services applying fertilizer without realizing chickens had access to the area.

Post signs. Send reminders. Over-communicate.

Your chickens’ lives might depend on it.

Regular Lawn Monitoring

Get in the habit of checking your lawn before letting chickens out.

Look for:

• Visible fertilizer granules
• Recently treated areas
• Spilled fertilizer from spreaders
• Areas where rain might have washed fertilizer

The Bottom Line on Chicken Safety and Fertilizers

Here’s what it all boils down to:

Chickens and traditional fertilizers don’t mix.

Period.

The risks are simply too high, and the consequences too severe.

But that doesn’t mean you need to choose between a healthy lawn and healthy chickens. With smart planning and safer alternatives, you can absolutely have both.

Remember:

• Chickens WILL eat granular fertilizer if given the chance
• Both synthetic and organic fertilizers pose risks
• Prevention is your best strategy
• Safe alternatives exist for every lawn care need

Your chickens depend on you to keep them safe. And now you know exactly how to do that.

Will chickens eat granular fertilizer? Yes, they absolutely will – but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can make sure they never get the chance.