Why Quail Droppings Make Fantastic Fertilizer
Quail droppings are one of nature’s most powerful, nutrient-rich fertilizers. Packed with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—the essential nutrients plants crave—this “black gold” helps your garden thrive naturally. Unlike larger poultry, quail produce smaller, more concentrated manure that breaks down quickly and improves soil structure without overwhelming your plants. It’s especially great for tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, and other heavy feeders.
I compost my quail bedding to create a balanced, organic soil amendment that boosts plant growth while reducing waste. Healthy birds, happy soil, better harvests!
While chicken manure is commonly used for general soil enrichment, quail manure offers a more targeted, high-performance alternative. Quail’s smaller sized droppings makes it easier to mix into soil or compost, and aids in sustainable farming practices.
2023 study published in the Philippine Journal of Science, “Waste Reduction and Bioconversion of Quail, Chicken, and Pig Manure by Black Soldier Fly”
How to Make Fertilizer Tea
Scoop some droppings/shavings into a 5 gal bucket
Fill with water
Cover and set overnight
Scoop out the liquid “tea”
Place in ground where you need nitrogen:
Leafy Greens:
Lettuce: Needs a lot of nitrogen for robust growth and large, leafy heads.
Spinach: Similar to lettuce, spinach requires ample nitrogen for healthy foliage.
Kale: Benefits from a nitrogen-rich environment to produce large, vibrant leaves.
Broccoli: Needs nitrogen for strong stem and head development.
Vine Crops:
Tomatoes: Require nitrogen for vigorous growth and fruit production.
Cucumbers: Need nitrogen to support their long vines and fruit development.
Squash: Thrives with a good supply of nitrogen, particularly for producing larger, heavier fruits.
Other Crops:
Melons, Legumes, Clover, Alfalfa, Peas, Corn, Brussels Sprouts