So sorry not to be of more help. I hope others jump into the conversation. I live out “in the country,” but it’s in the Bay Area in California, so not large acreage like in other parts of the country. It’s very rustic, and I don’t have lawn service. My “lawn” is pasture I’ve been growing for months by literally throwing seed. Native weeds, along with flax, alfalfa, clover, lentils, buckwheat, and milo are mixed in with the grass. My flock loves it. I keep it mowed like a lawn, even though it’s really more of a small pasture.
Anyway, for fertilizer, I’ve started using “deep litter” in the run. I have sand, rice hulls, pine shavings, and larger sticks (to create air pockets) in the run and turn it with the droppings at least once a week with a pitch fork. My run does not have a roof (only chicken wire) so it gets natural moisture from rain. When it doesn’t rain, I occasionally spray it down with a hose.
My point is... after this stuff gets mixed up for a month or so, it’s the best fertilizer ever and I spread it around the yard by the shovel full. This may not work if you have a pristine, manicured yard and lawn, but it’s FABULOUS in a rustic setting where lawn and pasture are the same thing and I know with 100% certainly it’s safe for my flock. Is this something g you might consider down the road?
