Homeowners often wonder about the impact of garden fertilizers on birds. Balancing horticultural goals with environmental responsibility is important, especially concerning local bird populations.
Do Birds Ingest Fertilizer?
Birds do not intentionally seek out fertilizer as a primary food source, but accidental ingestion can occur. Granular fertilizers can resemble seeds or grit, which birds consume to aid digestion. Birds also engage in behaviors like pecking at treated soil or consuming insects and worms that have been exposed to chemicals, meaning they can ingest harmful substances indirectly.
The Risks of Fertilizer to Birds
Fertilizers pose various dangers to birds due to their chemical composition and potential for indirect exposure. Chemical fertilizers often contain high concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, such as ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and urea, can irritate or burn a bird’s mouth, throat, and digestive tract upon ingestion, leading to chemical poisoning.
Symptoms of fertilizer poisoning include weakness, lethargy, tremors, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Some fertilizers also incorporate pesticides or herbicides, which are highly toxic to birds. Neonicotinoids, for example, are systemic insecticides that can be absorbed by plants and then consumed by birds through seeds or insects, causing neurological damage, reproductive issues, and even death. Even small amounts of these combined chemicals can lead to severe health problems or death within hours or days.
Protecting Birds from Fertilizer Exposure
Implementing strategies can reduce the risk of fertilizer exposure to birds in your yard. Opting for bird-safe alternatives like compost, corn gluten meal, bone meal, or fish emulsion provides nutrients to your lawn without toxic risks associated with synthetic products. These organic options often break down slowly, benefiting soil microbes and attracting beneficial insects, which are natural food sources for birds.
Careful application techniques are also important. Watering granular fertilizer immediately after application helps it dissolve and move into the soil, making it less accessible to birds. Applying fertilizer before rain is another effective method, as the rainfall will naturally wash the product into the ground. Using physical barriers like netting or garden fabric over freshly treated areas for about 48 hours can prevent birds from landing and foraging. Additionally, storing all garden chemicals in their original, tightly closed containers in a locked, cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, prevents accidental spills and access by wildlife.
What to Do if a Bird Consumes Fertilizer
If you suspect a bird has ingested fertilizer or is showing signs of poisoning, immediate action is necessary. Do not attempt to treat the bird yourself, as wild birds require specialized care from trained professionals. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian immediately for guidance.
While waiting for professional help, safely contain the bird to prevent further injury or stress. Place it in a secure, ventilated container such as an unwaxed paper bag or a cardboard box. Ensure the container is dark and quiet, as this reduces stress for the bird. Do not offer food or water, as this could worsen its condition or lead to aspiration. Providing the product name and its ingredients, if known, to the rehabilitator can help them determine the most effective course of treatment.