Wicked Organics Organic Organic OMRI Listed

Feather Meal

NPK 12-0-0

Feather meal is a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer made from ground, hydrolyzed poultry feathers. With an NPK of 12-0-0, it matches blood meal for nitrogen concentration but with one major advantage: feather meal releases its nitrogen much more slowly — over 3-4 months instead of 1-4 months — providing a steadier, longer-lasting feed that reduces the need for frequent reapplication.

The secret is keratin, the protein that makes up feathers. Keratin is tough and slow to decompose, which means soil microbes gradually break it down over the entire growing season. This makes feather meal essentially impossible to burn plants with, unlike blood meal or synthetic nitrogen that can damage roots when over-applied.

Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is OMRI-listed for certified organic production and ideal for heavy feeders like corn, tomatoes, leafy greens, and cool-season crops that need sustained nitrogen throughout their growing cycle.

Application Rates FAQs
Nutrient Profile
WO-FEATHER-MEAL
12–0–0
Feather Meal
Derived From
  • Hydrolyzed poultry feathers (ground and steam-processed)
12-0-0
NPK Ratio
Organic
Formula Type
Once per growing season; reapply every 8-12 weeks if needed
Feeding Frequency
—
Compatible Plants
What It Is

Understanding 12-0-0

Feather meal is produced by steam-processing and grinding poultry feathers collected as a byproduct of the poultry industry. The hydrolysis process partially breaks down the keratin protein structure, making the nitrogen more accessible to soil microbes while maintaining the slow-release characteristic.

The resulting product contains approximately 12% nitrogen, almost entirely in water-insoluble form. This means feather meal must be incorporated into soil where microorganisms can break it down — surface application without soil contact is far less effective. Soil temperatures above 50°F are needed for efficient decomposition.

Feather meal’s slow-release profile typically spans 3-4 months, with initial green-up visible in 2-4 weeks after application. This makes it an excellent choice for a single pre-season application that carries through to harvest.

N
Nitrogen — 12%

Delivers 12% slow-release nitrogen contained within keratin protein — one of the longest-lasting organic nitrogen sources available (3-4 months).

P
Phosphorus — 0%

N/A — Feather meal contains no phosphorus. Pair with bone meal for complete N-P organic feeding.

K
Potassium — 0%

N/A — Feather meal contains no potassium. Combine with Greensand or Sul-Po-Mag for potassium.

Recommended Plants

Best For

Corn
Leafy Greens
Tomatoes
Squash
Brassicas
Cool Season Crops
Heavy Feeders
Lawns

Growing Detail

Corn is the classic feather meal crop — its long growing season and heavy nitrogen demand match feather meal’s extended release profile. Leafy greens produce larger, darker leaves with sustained nitrogen availability. Tomatoes and squash benefit from the steady feed throughout fruiting. Cool-season crops like brassicas and lettuce appreciate the low burn risk.
Dosing Guide

Application Rates

Garden Beds
2-4 lbs per 100 sq ft
Container / Pot
1-2 tbsp per gallon of soil
Water Mix
N/A — Feather meal is not water-soluble
Lawn
10-12 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
Trees
1 lb per inch of trunk diameter, base to drip line
Per Acre
750-1,000 lbs per acre
Frequency
Every 2-4 weeks

How to Apply

Seasonal Notes

Apply in early spring before planting for best results — feather meal needs warm soil temperatures (above 50°F) for microbial breakdown. A single spring application typically provides nitrogen through the entire growing season for most crops. For very heavy feeders, a mid-season side-dress may be needed. Not effective in cold soil — avoid late fall application.
How It Compares

Side by Side

Feather meal vs. Blood Meal: Both provide 12% nitrogen, but feather meal releases over 3-4 months (slow) while blood meal releases over 1-4 months (faster). Feather meal is virtually impossible to burn plants; blood meal can burn with over-application. Feather meal vs. Soybean Meal: Soybean meal (7-2-1) is plant-based with balanced NPK but lower nitrogen. Feather meal provides nearly double the nitrogen for crops that need maximum N.

Safety & Storage

Wear a dust mask when handling dry feather meal to avoid inhaling fine particles. Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry location. Feather meal has minimal odor compared to blood meal and is less attractive to animals.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked

  • Feather meal is a natural, organic nitrogen fertilizer made from hydrolyzed poultry feathers. It contains approximately 12–13% nitrogen with trace amounts of phosphorus and potassium, making it one of the highest-nitrogen organic amendments available. Unlike blood meal which releases nitrogen relatively quickly, feather meal breaks down more slowly over 4–12 weeks, providing a sustained nitrogen supply. This slow-release characteristic makes it excellent for crops that need steady nitrogen throughout the growing season. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is a premium organic nitrogen source for gardens, farms, and landscapes.
  • Feather meal is used as a slow-release organic nitrogen source for crops, gardens, and soil-building programs. It is especially effective for heavy-feeding crops like corn, brassicas, and leafy greens that need sustained nitrogen over a long growing period. Feather meal is also popular in organic compost formulations, potting soil blends, and as a component in custom organic fertilizer mixes. Its slow breakdown rate means nitrogen becomes available gradually, reducing leaching and burn risk. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is versatile for direct soil application, composting, and custom blending.
  • Feather meal has an approximate NPK ratio of 12-0-0 to 13-0-0, providing 12–13% nitrogen with negligible phosphorus and potassium. This makes it comparable to blood meal in nitrogen content, but feather meal releases its nitrogen more slowly — typically over 4–12 weeks compared to blood meal's 1–4 weeks. Because feather meal provides only nitrogen, combine it with bone meal or bone char (phosphorus) and sulfate of potash (potassium) for complete organic nutrition. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal delivers premium slow-release organic nitrogen.
  • Both feather meal and blood meal provide approximately 12% nitrogen, but they differ in release speed. Blood meal releases nitrogen relatively quickly (1–4 weeks), making it better for fast correction of nitrogen deficiency. Feather meal releases nitrogen slowly over 4–12 weeks, providing sustained feeding for crops with long growing seasons. Blood meal can also serve as a mild animal deterrent, while feather meal has no repellent properties. Choose blood meal for quick results and feather meal for long-lasting nutrition. Old Cobblers Farm™ offers both products for flexible organic nitrogen management.
  • Apply feather meal by broadcasting 3–5 pounds per 100 square feet and incorporating into the top 4–6 inches of soil before planting. For side-dressing, apply 1–2 tablespoons per plant around the base and work into the soil surface. For composting, add feather meal to the pile as a nitrogen activator at 5–10% by volume. Because of its slow release, apply 2–4 weeks before you need peak nitrogen availability. Water thoroughly after application. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is easy to spread and incorporate for effective organic nitrogen delivery.
  • Yes, feather meal is safe for virtually all garden plants when applied at recommended rates. Its slow-release nitrogen is less likely to burn plants compared to fast-release nitrogen sources. It works well on vegetables, flowers, lawns, trees, shrubs, and perennials. However, because feather meal provides only nitrogen, it should be combined with phosphorus and potassium sources for complete plant nutrition. Over-application can still cause nitrogen excess, so follow rate guidelines. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal provides gentle, sustained nitrogen that is safe for sensitive and established plantings alike.
  • Yes, feather meal is an excellent compost activator and nitrogen source. Adding feather meal to carbon-rich compost piles (leaves, straw, wood chips) provides the nitrogen that decomposer microorganisms need to break down organic matter efficiently. Mix feather meal into the pile at 5–10% by volume or scatter a layer with each addition of carbon material. The combination accelerates composting and produces a richer finished product with higher nitrogen content. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is a cost-effective nitrogen booster for home and farm-scale composting operations.

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