What Should I Do After Finding a Dead Bird in My Plant Soil?

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Asked By GardenGizmo42 On

I just had a really shocking experience while gardening. While digging in a pot of dirt, I stumbled upon what I initially thought was a root cluster, only to realize it was a dead bird after I accidentally squished it. I have no idea how long it's been in there, especially since I dug through that soil earlier this season and added dirt from another pot. Now I'm left wondering if I need to throw out the soil entirely. I plan to use this soil for planting food, so is there a way to make it safe again? Should I spread it out in the sun to kill any bacteria that might be lingering from the bird?

3 Answers

Answered By NatureLover101 On

As an experienced gardener, I can confidently say you don’t need to throw the soil out. I once found a live mouse and its nest while repotting a plant! It’s all part of nature, and it won’t harm your plants at all.

Answered By PlantNinja99 On

No need to toss the dirt! If the bird was at the bottom, it could actually help fertilize your plants. Just give it time, nature knows how to handle this stuff!

Answered By EcoWarrior88 On

Aw man, I’m sorry you had to deal with that! It’s pretty wild how nature works. Honestly, a predator might have buried it there. I’d be cautious about possible H5N1 flu contamination, though. If you can, spread the soil thin in the sun for a couple weeks; enough heat and sunlight will help. Just remember to wear a mask while you do this and clean up afterward!

ConcernedGardener12 -

That's a good point about the flu. But just so you know, regular backyard songbirds usually aren't as prone to H5N1 like waterfowl and poultry are. I'm not too worried about one dead bird.

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