Herbs for Chickens: Plant An Herb Garden For Your Flock

In the world of chicken keeping, creating a healthy environment for your flock is essential. The most effective and organic ways to enhance their health and well-being is by introducing herbs to their diet and living space. Understanding the properties and benefits of various herbs can improve the immune system, reduce stress, and keep your chickens pest-free.

Prioritize simplicity when choosing herbs to incorporate in your chicken coop, focusing on 1–2 types with specific purposes. You can grow these herbs near the coop or in containers for easy access, allowing your chickens to enjoy the benefits daily while keeping your backyard flock healthy and productive.

Benefits of Herbs for Chickens

As you explore the different herbs suitable for your chickens, it’s essential to consider their specific benefits, such as mint, which acts as a robust insect and rodent repellant. Other popular herbs include parsley, rich in vitamins A, C, B, and K, and calcium and iron, helping improve blood vessel development and laying hens stimulation. Besides their nutritional value, incorporating herbs like lemon balm, dill, and peppermint can provide additional benefits like respiratory health, decrease coop-related stress, and maintain a pest-free environment for your flock.

Health Benefits

Incorporating herbs into your chicken’s diet can positively impact its overall health. Growing herbs around their coop can improve immunity, reduce stress and help to keep them parasite-free. For example, basil is an immunity booster particularly rich in vitamin K and iron, helping to fortify their bodies against potential health issues.

Respiratory Health

Maintaining good respiratory health is important for the well-being of your chickens. Many herbs can provide respiratory support and fight off related issues. For instance, basil has protective properties that help maintain your chicken’s respiratory tract, especially if their living space isn’t cleaned frequently enough.

Pest Control

Some herbs are natural insect repellents, helping to keep pests away from your chickens’ living area. For example, mint varieties, such as peppermint and spearmint, are excellent for deterring insects and rodents. Planting mint around their coop can help to keep pests at bay, protecting your birds from potential harm or irritation.

Adding Vitamins and Nutrients to Feed

Incorporating herbs into your chicken’s diet can supplement its essential vitamins and nutrient intake. One example is parsley, which is high in vitamins A, C, B, and K, as well as calcium and iron. Adding dried herbs to their feed can enhance the nutritional content, resulting in a well-rounded and balanced diet for your birds.

Use appropriate herbs and plants to maintain your chicken’s health and happiness. By including herbs for pest control, respiratory health, and nutritional supplementation, you’ll be providing the best possible care for your feathered friends.

Best Herbs for Chickens

Mint

Mint is an excellent herb for your chickens due to its insect and rodent-repellent properties. There are various types of mint, such as chocolate mint, orange mint, catmint, lemon balm, catnip, peppermint, and spearmint, which you can grow and serve to your chickens. Also, adding mint to a nest box can be beneficial for keeping pests away.

Garlic

Garlic is another great herb for your chickens as it is a natural antibiotic, helping keep them healthy by boosting their immune system. Adding crushed or minced garlic to their water can assist in improving their overall health and keep parasites and other infections at bay.

Thyme

One of the most aromatic herbs, Thyme is an amazing medicinal herb for chickens, providing antibiotic and antibacterial properties. It’s also useful for repelling insects and making a great tea to boost their immune system. Propagate thyme in your garden and include it in their diet or bedding.

Oregano

Oregano benefits chickens because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It can help to stave off harmful bacteria, reducing risks of respiratory infections and other illnesses.

Incorporate fresh or dried oregano in their food to promote chicken well-being.

Parsley

High in vitamins A, C, B, and K, as well as calcium and iron, parsley is a great option for improving your chicken’s blood vessel development and laying a stimulus. Include this herb in their diet for nutritional benefits.

Lavender

Lavender provides calming effects and can repel insects, making it an excellent addition to nest boxes. Dried lavender can create a more comfortable environment for your chickens while keeping pests away.

Sage

Sage, which can help your chickens’ nervous systems, is another great herb in their diet. Additionally, it has anti-parasitic properties and can aid in reducing respiratory issues.

Comfrey

Comfrey contains highly valuable nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals that can contribute to your chickens’ overall health. This herb can be used as a chicken feed supplement to enhance their diet.

Calendula

Calendula petals can offer multiple benefits for your chickens, including boosting their immune system and promoting vibrant egg yolk coloration due to high levels of carotenoids. Sprinkle calendula petals in their feed to reap these benefits.

Marjoram

Marjoram can be added to your chicken’s diet for various reasons, such as its respiratory health benefits and stress reduction properties. It also acts as a laying stimulant, supporting egg production.

Rosemary

Rosemary can help improve your chickens’ digestion, has antibacterial properties, and may repel insects. Add rosemary (fresh or dried) to their food or include it in their nesting areas.

Basil

As an immunity booster rich in vitamin K and iron, basil is highly beneficial for your chickens. Its protective properties for the respiratory tract can be especially helpful for chickens prone to respiratory issues.

Growing an Herb Garden for Chickens

Choosing Easy-to-Grow Herbs

When starting your herb garden for your chickens, it’s important to select herbs that are easy to grow and beneficial for your flock. Some easy-to-grow herbs for chickens include oregano, parsley, and mint.

Oregano is full of antioxidants and vitamins. These contribute to the health of your flock, while parsley is high in nutrients, making it an excellent addition to your chicken’s diet.

Mint is also a great choice because it is easy to grow and can help keep your chicken coop smelling fresh. Bonus, rub some on your hands and enjoy the refreshing scent while working around the coop or garden.

Here are a few herbs you could consider growing for your chickens:

• Oregano
• Parsley
• Mint
• Thyme
• Lavender
• Basil
• Sage
• Marjoram
• Lemon balm
• Dill

Planting and Caring for Herbs

Once you have chosen the herbs for your chicken garden, it’s time to plant and care for them. First, find an appropriate location for your herb garden. This area should receive ample sunlight, as most herbs require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Next, prepare the soil by removing weeds or debris and loosening it with a garden fork. Mix in some compost or well-aged manure to give your herbs the necessary nutrients for growth. When planting your herbs, space them for proper growth and air circulation.

Some herbs, like a mint plant, can be invasive and must be planted in containers to prevent them from taking over your garden.

To care for your herb garden:

1. Water the herbs regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soaked.
2. Prune your herbs by pinching off the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.
3. Add a layer of mulch around the top of the soil to help maintain moisture and suppress weeds.
4. Monitor for pests or diseases and control them promptly using organic treatments as needed.

Remember that your chickens will benefit from fresh herbs, so feel free to harvest them regularly or let your chickens graze in the herb garden.

You can dry excess herbs for use during winter months. Your herb garden will thrive with some care and attention, providing your chickens with delicious and nutritious treats all year.

Implementing Beneficial Herbs in the Chicken Coop

Incorporating Fresh Herbs into Feed

To boost the health of your chickens and add variety to their diet, consider incorporating fresh herbs such as dandelion, dill, parsley, oregano, basil, and rosemary into their feed. These chickens herbs offer several health benefits, for example:

• Dandelion: Rich in vitamins and minerals (also categorized as a weed, aka wild herbs)
• Parsley: High in vitamins and antioxidants
• Oregano: Natural antibiotic
• Basil: Adaptogen, anti-inflammatory
• Rosemary: Improves respiratory health
• Anise, Mint, Garlic, Dill, and Parsley will help encourage feather regrowth during the molting season.

Mix these fresh herbs with your chickens’ feed for a nutrient boost and added flavor. On a hot summer day, freeze herbs in ice cubes and serve in a bowl. Herb ice cubes are a great way to preserve freshness year-round too.

Adding Herbs to Nesting Boxes

Enhance the nesting box environment for your chickens by adding a variety of beneficial aromatic herbs. Start with mint, which can be placed inside the nesting boxes to repel insects and rodents. You can also use chamomile, which has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties and can help kill lice and mites and repel fleas.

Choose different types of mint to provide variety, such as:

• Peppermint
• Spearmint
• Lemon balm
• Catmint

Combining herbs in the nesting boxes improves your chickens’ environment and helps keep pests at bay.

Creating Aromatic and Insect-Repelling Coop Environments

Prevent insects and provide a pleasant aroma in your chicken coop and around the chicken run by using a variety of fragrant and insect-repelling herbs. Consider planting rosemary in and around the coop, as it offers immune support and respiratory health benefits.

Fennel and garlic are also excellent choices for repelling insects and promoting laying. Echinacea, another herb to consider, is an antibacterial agent that boosts immunity and respiratory health.

Raising chickens doesn’t need to be a smelly hobby. To create an aromatic and insect-repelling environment, Strategically place these herbs around your coop and refresh them as necessary to maintain their effectiveness.

Add Herbs To Dust Bath

The ingredients for a chicken dust bath can vary, but the most common ingredients are dirt, sand, and diatomaceous earth or wood ash.

Other optional ingredients include sulfur dust, baking soda, cornstarch, and dried herbs such as lavender, mint, and rosemary.

The ratio of ingredients can also vary, but a common ratio is 2 parts sand to 1 part dirt to 1 part wood ash or diatomaceous earth.

Herbs can be added to a chicken’s dust bath to help rid them of common parasites and to make the bath smell nice. Mint, lavender, basil, thyme, lemon balm, and oregano are some herbs that can be used.

Lavender, mint, and rosemary are good choices because they contain natural insecticides. Dried herbs can be sprinkled where the chickens bathe, and a dust bath works best when the dust is bone-dry and not clumping.

Less Common Herbs for Chickens

Dill

Dill is a versatile herb for your chickens. Not only does dill provide essential nutrients, but this particular herb also helps with their digestion. Your chickens will enjoy munching on fresh dill, which can be grown easily in your garden. Dill contains vitamins A, C and minerals like calcium and iron, which are crucial for their health.

Moreover, dill’s strong aroma helps repel insects from the chicken coop, making their environment cleaner and more comfortable.

Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is another beneficial herb for your chickens. This plant’s vibrant flowers attract pollinators, while its leaves have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Including bee balm in your chickens’ diet can help improve their immune system thus keeping them healthy. You can grow bee balm in your garden and provide it to your fresh or dried chickens.

Yarrow

Yarrow is an herb that offers several benefits for your chickens. This herb is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities, which can help heal minor wounds and skin irritations. Yarrow can also be a natural insect repellent, keeping pests away from your chicken coop. Grow yarrow in your garden and offer it to your fresh or dried chickens.

Anise

Anise is a flavorful herb that chickens enjoy and offers several health benefits. It is known for its digestive properties/ Anise can help calm an upset stomach and promote healthy digestion in your flock.

Anise has a strong aroma that can mask odors in the chicken coop, promoting a cleaner environment. You can incorporate fresh or dried anise into your chicken’s diet to reap the benefits.

Cilantro

Cilantro is a popular herb in culinary dishes and a beneficial addition to your chicken’s diet. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, and essential minerals, cilantro helps promote healthy growth and development. It also has antioxidant properties, aiding your chicken’s immune system.

Grow cilantro in your garden and provide it to your fresh or dried chickens to ensure their optimal health.

Additional Herbs and Their Uses

This section will explore additional herbs that can greatly benefit your chickens and contribute to their overall health and well-being.

Borage

Borage is a fantastic herb to grow for chickens. It has a high amount of protein, helps stimulate egg production, and is known to improve respiratory health. Borage is also a natural insect repellent, protecting your chickens from pests.

Catnip

A versatile herb, catnip can benefit your chickens in several ways. As an insect repellent, it helps keep bugs away from the coop. In addition, catnip is a mild sedative that can help keep your chickens calm and stress-free.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a great addition to your chickens’ diet. Incorporating cinnamon can help prevent infections and maintain a healthy environment for your birds.

Fennel

Fennel has numerous benefits for your chickens, including improving egg production and quality. It is also a natural pest deterrent and an essential addition to your chicken coop. Adding fennel to your chickens’ nest box can help repel lice and mites.

Ginger

Ginger is a great herb to incorporate into your chickens’ diet. It is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities and can aid in digestion. Moreover, ginger positively affects egg production, helping your chickens lay more eggs.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a fantastic herb to grow for your chickens. It offers various benefits, such as boosting the immune system, reducing stress, and improving respiratory health. Moreover, it is a great insect repellent essential for maintaining a healthy coop environment.

Marigold

Marigolds are known for their vibrant colors and fragrant smell. They have various benefits for your chickens, including repelling insects and strengthening the immune system. The benefits are visual when you notice the color of the egg yolks, which is much brighter and richer in their fresh eggs. The best part is chickens love this weed, aka herb.

Pineapple Sage

Pineapple sage has multiple benefits for your chickens, such as improving their nervous system and relieving stress. It is also a natural insect repellent, keeping pests away from the coop.

Tarragon

Tarragon is an excellent herb to include in your chickens’ diet. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, helping to strengthen their immune systems. Additionally, tarragon supports digestion and overall gut health, ensuring your chickens stay healthy and happy.

Chickens and Medicinal Herbs

These chicken herbs are great for herbal remedies, respiratory and digestive health, and a natural stress reliever. There are so many wonderful and healthy benefits to your chickens when you incorporate herbs into their daily diet.

Chamomile

Chamomile has numerous benefits for your chickens. This calming herb is known to ease stress, which can be helpful during times of transition, such as introducing new flock members or during molting season. Chamomile can be added as a calming agent in their nesting boxes or mixed with your chicken’s feed. And yes, this is a great ingredient for preparing an herbal tea for your birds. Additionally, this herb helps maintain the yellow color of egg yolks.

Chickweed

Chickweed is an excellent herb for your chickens as it is loaded with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and B and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Offering this herb to your flock will help support their general health and egg production.

It can also work as a natural dewormer, preventing and controlling internal parasites in your chickens. Provide fresh or dried chickweed in their feed or scatter it around their run as a form of natural forage.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is an effective natural antibiotic for your chickens. When used as a preventive measure or treatment for various infections and diseases, this herb can help support your flock’s overall health.

The active compounds in goldenseal, such as berberine, have been known to combat bacteria, fungi, and parasites in chickens.

To administer goldenseal, mix small amounts of the powdered herb into their feed or make a tea by steeping it in water and offering it as a supplemental drink.