cluckbok Posted May 4, 2008 Share Posted May 4, 2008 Hi, I have recently planted some hen proof plants (thick glossy leaves that they don't like eating!). I would now like to ensure that they grow well by adding some fertilizer and manure to the soil. Is it safe to use an Organic Fertilizer on the garden when we have hens free-ranging in the garden? If so, can anyone recommend a good all purpose fertilizer? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted May 4, 2008 Share Posted May 4, 2008 Chicken poo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted May 4, 2008 Author Share Posted May 4, 2008 Ah, yes I did consider that but was told it was great for veg but too powerful for plants?? was told it would scorch the plants? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FruitandNutCake Posted May 4, 2008 Share Posted May 4, 2008 either leave the chicken and guinea pig poo to compost down for a while, or dilute the chicken poo down with water, and water around the plants - not over them. If it is well diluted and watered on regularly, it shouldn't be so strong. What plants have you planted? My chicken garden is mainly shrubs, but I want to add more "filling" plants! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted May 4, 2008 Share Posted May 4, 2008 Sorry, I was being a bit facetious Could you dilute it in a watering can and water it in? I've done that with plants and had no problems (obviously only watered it onto the soil, not the leaves). The chickens had free rein on my flower borders over winter - these are now fenced off for protection and everything is now growing like crazy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted May 4, 2008 Share Posted May 4, 2008 Hi,If so, can anyone recommend a good all purpose fertilizer? thanks Yep-poultry manure pellets! You buy it from DIY sheds/garden centres at around £6 for a 10kg bucket so is very cheap.I used to buy it with excellent results on shrubs & flowers,but now i have chooks which make it for me-just gotta compost it first so its not so fresh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted May 4, 2008 Author Share Posted May 4, 2008 Hi ya, We managed to find a fertilizer that said safe for children and pets and you dig and water it in. So should be ok now. May try the poultry manure pellets or drying out chicken poo The plant we have are things like Fatisa (which they have pecked at a bit!), Red Robin, Rosemary, Bamboo, Conifers, Acer trees, Apple tree and few others. They have the odd peck here and there but not done much damage so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FruitandNutCake Posted May 4, 2008 Share Posted May 4, 2008 Sounds a good choice! One of mine pecked off the new buds of my rhodadendron this afternoon. As soon as I picked her up and moved her away, another one came along and started copying her! Luckily with shrubs, it dosn't usually matter if the lower leaves are removed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
