Keeping backyard chickens healthy and happy is a top priority for any chicken owner, myself included! One simple, natural way to support our flock's health is by incorporating herbs into their daily routine. I've gathered a list of the best herbs for chickens to make this easy for you!
From improving respiratory health to enhancing egg yolk color, the benefits are numerous. Here are a variety of safe herbs to include in your chicken keeping practices!
Oh, and if you are more of a buyer rather than DIY-er, I've included some pre-made herb options (with links!) to make your life a little easier.
As an amazon associate, this post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
Jump to:
- Our Flock
- How to Introduce Herbs to Your Backyard Flock
- Best Ways to Use Herbs with Chickens
- 9 Beneficial Herbs for Chickens
- Nettle: Strengthening Bones Naturally
- Ginger: Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Powerhouse
- Garlic: Immune Support for a Healthy Flock
- Basil: Adaptation and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
- Thyme: Respiratory Health Hero
- Calendula: Enhancing Egg Yolk Color
- Oregano: Immune-Boosting Antioxidant
- Parsley: A Vitamin-Packed Powerhouse
- Red Pepper Flakes: Warm From the Inside!
- Incorporating Herbs into Your Chicken-Keeping Routine
- FAQ
- That's a Wrap!
- Related Posts About Chickens
- New on the Homestead
- Comments
Our Flock
We have a mixed flock of 15 chickens. There are (currently) 2 baby chicks, a few pullets, two roosters and a whole bunch in their egg laying years. While I am writing from my own personal experience, I'm also including sources for some of my claims, just so you don't think I'm blowing smoke (ha!).
If you love chickens, I'm just positive you'd love reading about Best Chickens for Eggs, What NOT to Feed Chickens, or How Much Space do Chickens Need. I also have great info on feeding chickens in my posts How to Ferment Chicken Feed, DIY Flock Block (your ladies will go crazy over this one!) and Sprouting Grain for Chickens.
How to Introduce Herbs to Your Backyard Flock
- Introduce free choice healthy herbs gradually to ensure your chickens accept them and to monitor for any adverse reactions.
- Offer a mix of different herbs to provide a range of health benefits and to keep your chickens interested.
- Watch how your chickens react to different herbs. Some may take to certain herbs more readily than others.
Best Ways to Use Herbs with Chickens
- Fresh Herbs in Feed: Chop fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano and mix them directly into your chicken feed. This is an easy way to provide additional nutrients and health benefits. I also will toss leftover whole plants (roots and all!) into the chicken run after harvesting.
- Dried Herbs: Personally, providing dry herbs for chickens to eat is my favorite method. Sprinkle dry herbs into your chicken feed or scatter them around the coop and run. I buy Cluckin’ Good Organic Herbs from Scratch & Peck Feeds. You can use my affiliate link and discount code NINNESCAHHOMESTEAD15 to save on your first order!
- Nesting Boxes: Place aromatic herbs like lavender, mint, and basil in the nesting boxes. These herbs not only create a calming effect but also help repel insects and keep the nest boxes smelling fresh. I am OBSESSED with Roost Refresh from Eaton Pet & Pasture. You can shop my affiliate link and use my discount code NINNESCAHHOMESTEAD to save!
- Dust Baths: Add dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and rosemary to your chickens' dust baths. I also like to sprinkle a few tablespoons of diatomaceous earth where they dust bathe, too! This can help with respiratory health and keep external parasites at bay. Roost Refresh from Eaton Pet & Pasture is my favorite!
- Herb Gardens: Plant an herb garden in or near your chicken run. Allow your chickens to free-range and forage on herbs like oregano, parsley, and basil. This provides a natural and continuous source of fresh herbs. Pick a full sun location with well-drained soil and plant your favorite aromatic plants. But be aware-- chickens are VERY destructive to gardens, so have a plan for restricting access if they become too damaging.
- Herb Treats: Mix herbs with other favorite treats. For example, blend chopped herbs with scrambled eggs or mix dried herbs with a bit of scratch grain. I also like to make chick-cuterie boards with chicken appropriate snacks and herbs! See the picture below for an idea of what it could look like. I've added strawberry tops and raspberries!
9 Beneficial Herbs for Chickens
Now that we've talked about the various ways to use herbs with our flock, let's dig into the benefits of a few of my favorites! I'm going to include reference links for each of these, too.
The potency and dosage of these herbs will vary widely depending on whether the herb is fresh or dried. One thing that I always point out when I'm sharing about herbs for chickens is that chickens are intuitive eaters, meaning they instinctively know what nutrients they need.
For example, if I sprinkle calendula around the coop and my chickens nibble a bit and then leave it, likely it isn't a nutrient that they are low in at the moment.
Nettle: Strengthening Bones Naturally
Here's an expanded version for nettle, staying compliant with Google's Nettle is a powerhouse herb packed with nutrients that can support your flock's overall health. Rich in calcium, nettle is particularly beneficial for laying hens, as it helps them to have strong bones and thicker eggshells.
In addition to calcium, nettle is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron and magnesium. This makes it a good nutrient boost for chickens during molting or harsh weather.
Dried nettle can easily be mixed into their feed or sprinkled around their run for them to forage. Just be sure to dry the nettle thoroughly to eliminate its sting before offering it to your chickens. (NIH)
Ginger: Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Powerhouse
Ginger is like a secret weapon for your flock. It’s packed with antioxidants and has a bit of a warming effect, which is especially handy in cold weather. Some folks say it supports their immune system and keeps them in tip-top shape. Just a little fresh or powdered ginger in their feed can do the trick—no need to overdo it. Bonus? It’s a super easy herb to keep on hand since it stores well and grows like crazy if you plant a chunk in your garden. (NIH)
Garlic: Immune Support for a Healthy Flock
Garlic contains allicin, which is known for its antimicrobial properties. It can help support your chickens' natural defenses. It helps ward off common poultry illnesses and can be easily added to their feed, just sprinkle it right in!
Some chicken keepers believe the scent of garlic can act as a natural deterrent for mites, lice, and other pests. (Poultry DVM)
Basil: Adaptation and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Basil isn’t just a culinary herb; it’s a perfect addition to your herb garden for chickens. It helps with adaptation and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Fresh basil leaves can be added to your chicken coop or nesting boxes to provide a calming effect and support your flock’s health. When I harvest basil, I just toss the stems and blemished leaves right in to the run! (MyPetChicken)
Thyme: Respiratory Health Hero
Thyme is an aromatic herb that is excellent for supporting respiratory health in chickens. It can be especially useful in preventing respiratory issues common in the poultry industry.
Again, I'm not making any claims about bird flu, but generally speaking adding dried or fresh thyme to your chicken run or dust bath area can help keep your flock breathing easy. (DMV)
Calendula: Enhancing Egg Yolk Color
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a colorful herb that can deepen the color of egg yolks. Many people feed calendula to their chickens because it’s rich in antioxidants, which can support overall health and boost immune systems.
Plus, it’s believed to enhance the vibrant orange color of egg yolks, making those farm-fresh eggs even more eye-catching. Calendula is also thought to have gentle antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which might help maintain healthy skin and feathers. (PubMed)
Oregano: Immune-Boosting Antioxidant
Oregano is often called a "natural antibiotic" in homesteading circles because it’s packed with powerful antioxidants and has natural antimicrobial properties.
Many chicken keepers swear by oregano for supporting their flock's immune system and respiratory health, especially during cold or flu seasons. It also has shown benefits when used prophylactically (preventatively) in broilers. (NIH)
You can mix dried oregano into their feed, steep it in water to make a tea, or even grow fresh oregano in their run for them to nibble on.
Parsley: A Vitamin-Packed Powerhouse
Parsley is a good source of vitamins K, D, A, folate, and iron. It is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, serving as a natural dewormer. This nutritious herb can be added to your chickens' feed to boost their vitamin intake, supporting overall health and egg production. (Backyard Chickens)
Red Pepper Flakes: Warm From the Inside!
Red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper are a good addition to chicken feed during the cold months. While the chickens can't taste the spice, it will help rev up their digestive system to keep them warm! Just sprinkle a bit over the feed.
Incorporating Herbs into Your Chicken-Keeping Routine
There are many ways to introduce herbs to your chickens. Adding fresh herbs to the nesting boxes, chicken coop, or dust baths can provide aromatic benefits and repel unwanted insects. Herbs can also be mixed into your chicken's feed, offering nutritional benefits and enhancing egg quality.
For those in different climate zones, consider growing a variety of herbs that thrive in your area. Herbs like lavender leaves, chocolate mint, and lemon balm are also excellent choices. Fresh leaves and dried herbs both have their place in chicken keeping, each offering unique benefits.
Why Use Herbs?
Using herbs in your chicken-keeping routine is a fun way to naturally support your flock's health. Herbs have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and insect-repelling properties, making them a great addition to any chicken coop. They provide a natural stress reliever and contribute to a peaceful environment for your chickens.
FAQ
Lavender: Repels flies and mosquitoes.
Mint: Deters ants, flies, and mice.
Rosemary: Helps repel mites and lice.
Lemon Balm: It's citrusy smell deters many insects.
Several herbs are particularly beneficial for respiratory health in chickens and healthy immune system functions. To be clear, I am not saying that these specific herbs will protect your flock from avian flu:
Thyme: Contains compounds that support respiratory function.
Oregano: Has antibacterial properties that help keep respiratory issues at bay.
Peppermint: Its menthol content can help open up airways and improve breathing.
Yes, you can add fresh herbs to your chicken feed. Herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil can be chopped and mixed into the feed to provide additional nutrients and health benefits. Just ensure the herbs are clean and free from pesticides.
Several herbs are beneficial for chickens, including nettle, garlic, basil, thyme, calendula, basil, thyme, oregano, parsley.
Nesting Boxes: Place fresh or dried herbs like lavender, mint, or basil in nesting boxes to create a calming effect and repel insects.
Dust Baths: Add insect-repelling herbs such as thyme or oregano to dust baths to help with respiratory health and parasite control.
Hanging Bundles: Hang bundles of aromatic herbs like rosemary or sage in the coop to improve air quality and reduce stress.
Litter Mix: Mix herbs like mint or eucalyptus into the coop bedding to keep it fresh and deter pests.
That's a Wrap!
If you want to see whether or not chickens can be a good tool for natural pest management, check out my post A Guide To Organic Pest Management in the Garden.
We also have raised more than 100 Cornish Cross chickens for meat in the past year and I share our experience in the post Meat Chickens: What We Learned. During the months when egg production is high, consider water glassing your eggs to make them shelf stable for up to eight months (or more!) by reading How to Preserve Eggs.
Get my Free Guide for Raising Chicks E-Book and learn everything you need to know to get started on your backyard chicken journey!
Have a cluckin' good day!
Meg
Comments
No Comments