Similarly, herbs can really help to boost the health of your chickens. It is an easy and pleasant herb to include frequently. These are described below. Combine the herbs and peels in a one-quart mason jar. Fresh sage is a great herb to give to chickens as a healthy nibble. Your chickens may munch on lavender from time to time, but it’s really valuable in its ability to repel pests. Parsley can help heal external skin issues and boosts the immune system. By Amy Fewell – Chickens are one of the easiest farm animals to raise, but sometimes they can be the most daunting to keep healthy. All rights reserved. Garlic has fantastic natural benefits for chook-kind! Oregano is one of the best herbs for chickens to eat and there’s a couple reasons for that. I feed fresh sage leaves free-choice to my hens, as well as add dried sage to their feed. The chickens, though, require much less guidance. Herbs are so easy to grow. We can create an herb garden chickens will enjoy and promote natural health and wellness at the same time. Oregano – is the clear favorite for a healthful boost. Herbs for Chicken Health. Just as they do for human beings, many herbs used in the kitchen have lots of health benefits for chickens. Just as it is for you, lavender is an aromatic stress reliever it can improve blood circulation, too, which is essential for laying hens. Herbs for healthy chickens. “Herbify” the Dust Bath Herbs of Choice and Their Benefits: Lavender, mint, and rosemary are natural insecticides. It contains other vital nutrients for healthy egg production, too, like beta carotene. Mint helps repel insects. Herbs also provide important vitamins and protein. Bee balm is also calming and aids in a chicken’s digestive track. Cilantro is another beneficial herb for chickens. Recommended to you based on your activity and what's popular • Feedback It can greatly impair the health of the chicken or cause death when fed heavily. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Knowing that herbs keep chickens healthy is empowering. Tobacco leaves: These contain a stimulant called Nicotine. Tobacco leaves: These contain a stimulant called Nicotine. Chickens understand that these herbs can help self-medicate, so if given a chance to free-range, they’ll pick herbs that benefit their health. There are a number of common herbs we can grow for chickens for general health. Perhaps only a few people know about this. Your email address will not be published. 16. And let’s not forget one of the easiest and most common ways to feed herbs to your chickens – simply feed them to them! High in vitamins K and A, it is also high in calcium – it can help your birds build strong bones and eggs! Another great herb to consider growing is sage. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can fit a wonderful selection of these plants into a 4×4 raised bed quite easily. Your email address will not be published. It also serves as a powerful antibiotic. My daughter and I today took a trip to the local garden center to purchase more herbs for our herb garden and our chickens. Plus, echinacea, or coneflower, produces gorgeous blooms that look great in your garden. Tansy is a powerful insect repellent. In fact, a study done in 2013 proved that astragalus helped prevent avian influenza in some birds and limited the duration of the illness in others. When it comes time to clean out your chicken coop, you can combine herbs with vinegar and water for a healthy cleaner, too. It smells great, so it might be a good idea to hang some in your coop. Herbs. It’s packed with antioxidants. Chickens Gardening Gardening with Chickens Health Issues Plants Projects; Fresh Herb Garden for Chickens. Perennial; full sun to partial shade. It’s packed with antioxidants. Summer is almost upon us. Clover might not be considered an herb by everyone, but it’s definitely a plant worth growing. Fresh sage is a great herb to give to chickens as a healthy nibble. You might have some trouble growing your own bay leaves for your chickens – these aren’t always the easiest to grow, as you need a certain climate to grow a bay tree. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Parsley contains magnesium and Vitamin K, which aids in blood vessel development (13). Oregano is well-known for its antibacterial properties, and it’s becoming the darling of the egg industry because studies are showing that it’s more potent than antibiotics for keeping chickens healthy. You probably already know this. June 7, 2011 . You can grow it in your chicken’s pen and allow them to eat it down themselves (it won’t take long!) When I notice a potential health problem, I can immediately start supportive treatment by visiting my herb garden. They are not very finicky and will grow in sandy soil and full sun. And let’s not forget its ability to “destinkify” a coop! is full of basil, dill, mint, parsley, sage and thyme that I use in my cooking. It can clear out your sinuses and respiratory tract, too. However you choose to feed herbs to your chickens, you’ll love the health benefits they provide. Others act as antibiotics and antiseptics. These herbs are: Fresh cassava leaves: It contains Hydrocyanide, which is an antinutrient. Herbs. There are all kinds of mint you can grow and/or serve to your chickens, including chocolate mint, orange mint, catmint, lemon balm, catnip, peppermint, and spearmint. Just like weeds, herbs can be extremely good and healthy for chickens too. Add dried sage to the feed for a delicious dose of nutrients! Herbs can also be used to treat chooks for infestations of worms, lice and mites. Let your birds forage on wild clover, and you’ll likely notice that they are more active and healthy as a result. You probably don’t want to feed all of your freshly-grown herbs to chickens. See more ideas about chickens, herbs for chickens, chicken health. You can also hang a bundle of herbs in the coop. Herbs for Chicken Immunity. Also referred to as marigolds, calendula is technically a family of plants that includes about 15 separate species. You can add them free choice, or you can sprinkle them in the feed. You can plant them from seedlings and sow them directly in the soil or in pots. Comfrey is considered a weed by many people, but it’s actually a powerful natural healer. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, this herb can even combat salmonella. Sage promotes chickens’ general health and well-being. It is an antiseptic and has solid respiratory and antibacterial benefits, too. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) Astragalus is most commonly known for stimulating the immune system and is one of the most beneficial herbs you can offer to your chickens. Dandelions can encourage laying, and are incredibly delicious and nutritious. Another “weed” to consider growing is chickweed. Tansy. While we often think of herbs in terms of cooking, they’re also an excellent tool for keeping your flock healthy. Herbs provide your flock with extra vitamins and minerals that they might not receive through their feed. This herb, easy to grow but also found in the wild, can keep away external parasites like mites, lice, and fleas. Lavender is calming, soothing and aromatic. Required fields are marked *. Many have immune-improving qualities while others help keep lice and parasites at bay. Chickweed — Another herb that grows like a weed in many places and a great green food tonic for chickens. Lavender, bee balm, yarrow, oregano, parsley and mint are all examples of beneficial herbs. Tansy. Chickens are smarter than you might think, and when they aren’t feeling well, they’ll eat things that can make them feel better. It’s easy to grow, too, provided that you start the seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost. There are some that help repel insects and treat skin conditions. Just as herbs are good for your own well-being, they can help with the general health of your chickens as well as treat infestations of lice, mites, and worms. 11. Mint is an excellent insect and rodent repellent. And, happier chickens lay more eggs. Whether you scatter herbs in your coop and nesting boxes to help repel insects and parasites, feed them fresh to your chickens or dry them to add to feed, you can greatly improve your chickens’ health by incorporating a few herbs into their living environment … Some Herbs and their benefits The herbs that are mentioned above have separate benefits for chicken. Others act as antibiotics and antiseptics. But if you have leftovers, herbs can be a fun treat for your chickens. Most culinary herbs have wonderful and varied health benefits for your chickens, just as they do for humans. Borage is extremely rich in calcium. Healthy Herb Garden Chickens Will Love – the top 16 herbs for chickens! Anise, dill, fennel, ginger, and mint are good disease and parasite preventions. You can even grow a few near your chicken’s free-ranging area so your chickens can peck for them on their own! They’ll grow quite companionably side by side (in either full sun or part shade), creating not only a beautiful-looking garden, but also one with herbal ‘henefits’. This can help keep pests away, and will also minimize your chickens’ boredom as they make their way through molts and periods of bad weather. When you are ready to use it put its full strength into a glass spray bottle. It is a powerful healer, and is high in vitamins and minerals. Interestingly, scent leaf or basil (Ocimum gratissimum) controls diarrhea both in humans and chickens. Oregano has some pretty powerful antibiotic properties. 9 Medicinal Herbs for Chickens to Keep Your Flock Healthier They are high in iron, too – a plus for chickens who are suffering from parasitic infections. Other nutritive herbs, flowers, and laying stimulants include: marigolds, nasturtiums, parsley, mint, sage, rose petals, tarragon, thyme, lemon balm, oregano, etc. They can be fed raw to the chickens. If you plant herbs where your chickens can reach them, you might just want to be mindful of your flock’s ability to stir up the soil and uproot your plants. It supports healthy immune systems, and hens love to GOBBLE down the little green flecks. Allow this mixture to macerate for 2 to 4 weeks. Oregano is one of the best herbs for chickens to eat and there’s a couple reasons for that. Healthy Herb Garden Chickens Will Love – the top 16 herbs for chickens! Holistic Living We started our homesteading adventure in 2010 when our son was diagnosed with childhood asthma. Lovage is not a very common herb, but if you can get your hands on some, feed it to your chickens. Don’t you love the taste of fresh parsley on your morning scrambled eggs? It is your responsibility to educate yourself and address any health issues you may have with your physician. It is often grown by gardeners to repel insects, but it’s edible for chickens, too. You probably don’t want to feed all of your freshly-grown herbs to chickens. Log in, « 5 Bee Friendly Perennials for Your Zone 3 Garden for Better Biodiversity, How to Grow Sunflowers for a Memorable Outdoor Wedding ». Spray the surfaces in your coop and wipe clean to both clean and disinfect. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can promote respiratory health, too. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. That’s because this herb can help improve your overall immune system and respiratory health, helping you fight off a cold more efficiently. From pest repellent properties to health boosters, herbs really are nature's medicine for hens and humans alike! Parsley is my favorite herb, and my chickens love it, too. Thyme also has properties as an herbal antibiotic. This compound can impair the health of the chicken… Here’s an herb you’ve likely heard of! They also have some health benefits. Tansy is a powerful insect repellent. Thyme and Basil are good for mucus membranes and Thyme is great for keeping the respiratory tract healthy or aid in recovery from a respiratory illness. Chickens will eat both the stems and leaves of parsley, and there are a ton of nutritional benefits associated with them doing so, too. It is rich in calcium and vitamins K and E. You can feed the herb directly to your chickens, or hang it in their coop for them to play with. Anise can help prevent both internal and external parasites. It’s as easy as that! It not only can keep parasites away and improve digestive health, but it can relieve stress in your flock, too – something that’s essential if you just introduced new birds to the coop. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) Most commonly known for its immune stimulating properties, astragalus is one of the most beneficial herbs you can offer to your chickens on a regular basis as a preventative herb. I grow a wide assortment of herbs to use in cooking and also in conjunction with raising our chickens and ducks to keep them healthy naturally, without the use of antibiotics or medications. Herbs like parsley have a ton of health benefits in addition to their culinary applications. It can be used to fight respiratory infections and also has antibacterial properties. They come back every year, so plant them once and your job will be done. Growing an herb garden for chickens is easy to do. Another less-common herb to consider growing in your garden is chervil. They are packed with nutrients that can target organs or are great for over all health. Rosemary, Dill and Basil planted by the chicken run. They can be scattered in the nesting boxes to act as a natural insect repellent. or you can grow your own indoors or in an outdoor bed, and feed it fresh or dried to your birds. There are some that help repel insects and treat skin conditions. Rebekah is a part-time homesteader. Rosemary is an excellent pain reliever and can keep pests away. 16. There are lots of culinary herbs that have wonderful health benefits for your chickens, and can enhance both their diet and environment. The important herbs that are useful for the health of chicken and also so that they could lay healthy eggs are comfrey, garlic, chickweed, elder, hyssop, feverfew, nasturtium, tansy, lavender, kale, Gotu Kola, and nettle. https://thehomesteadinghippy.com › healthy-herbs-for-chickens There are lots of culinary herbs that have wonderful health benefits for your chickens, and can enhance both their diet and environment. Copyright © 2020 TheHomesteadingHippy.com. Use it in your nesting boxes to keep away mites and other pests that can wreak havoc on your birds. Herbs also provide important vitamins and protein. Another good way to stimulate laying in your flock is by feeding the birds marjoram. Apr 22, 2017 - Explore Christina Beebe's board "Herbs For Chickens" on Pinterest. You can offer fresh or dried oregano – both are great – and you’ll want to use the leaves of the oregano plant. Having culinary and medicinal herbs right outside your chicken coop provides your chickens with easy access to these chicken-friendly plants, while also making it convenient for you to add oregano or rosemary to your morning omelet. It can greatly impair the health of the chicken or cause death when fed heavily. Catnip may drive your cat crazy, but it’s a sedative for chickens. 11. And actually, there’s more to that! Instead of mowing all the dandelions down on your front lawn, why not harvest them and feed them to the chickens? The difference between tonic herbs and medicinal herbs, How to determine safe dosages or serving sizes, How to measure a safe dosage for infants and children, What herbs to use with caution with the elderly. They also have some health benefits. Chamomile isn’t just for your tea! Oregano is well-known for its antibacterial properties, and it’s becoming the darling of the egg industry because studies are showing that it’s more potent than antibiotics for keeping chickens healthy. If your chickens are suffering from any wounds or illness, this is a good option. foraging for these 10 Medicinal Herbs in the Fall, 1/4 cup lavender or rosemary leaves and flowers. Plus, it can calm your birds. Here are some of the best herbs for your chickens to keep them healthy. It is incredibly sweet-smelling, and can help keep all kinds of insects away. It’s great for improving respiratory health, too. You can add to a nest box or you can feed it to your chickens. … It is not intended to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Make sure any pasta you prepare for chickens is made without salt since too much sodium isn’t healthy for chickens. Believe it or not, feeding parsley to your chickens on a regular basis can stimulate egg-laying. Herbs and herbal health aren’t just for us; they are great for . It’s rich in antioxidants and vitamins and is purported to combat salmonella and other diseases. Sageis another herb that I like to add to my chickens’ layer feed. Not only can it combat infectious bronchitis, E. coli, avian flu, coccidiosis, and salmonella, but it can also boost the overall immune systems of your chickens. Strain this into a new glass jar. There are several ways you can incorporate herbs in your hens’ diets, whether it’s scattering them in the nesting boxes or coop, or adding them to their feed. Sage promotes chickens’ general health and well-being. Yarrow isn’t the first herb that people think of growing, but if you want to improve the health of your chickens, it’s a top pick. Herbs are amazing for chickens and have numerous health benefits. The Homesteading Hippy is a participant in the Amazon Services L.L.C. They’ll grow quite companionably side by side (in either full sun or part shade), creating not only a beautiful-looking garden, but also one with herbal ‘henefits’. Herbs are great for this! There are several ways you can use herbs to keep your chickens healthy. It provides egg yolks with a beautiful orange color and also has powerful healing powers. Mint grows rapidly – in many places, it is invasive. It helps their body repel pests and parasites, boosts their immune system and keeps insects away from the chicken coop. This will keep the boxes free from pests and incredibly nice-smelling, too. But what you might not know is that these herbs are also great for your chickens, too. Lavender also is antibacterial, antifungal, helps to fight off staph infections, and improves your chickens’ digestion! The specific herbs I use vary depending on my application, i.e., calming herbs in the nesting boxes, super healthy disease-busting herbs in the brooder, insect-repelling herbs in the dust bath, nutritious herbs dried in the feed, immune-boosting garlic in the water, cooling mint frozen into ice cubes to beat the summer heat. You can also stew herbs in the nesting boxes. 9 Healthy Herbs For Chickens. Garlic is another top herb to feed to your chickens. It not only contains vitamins A, C, B, K, and E, but it also contains tons of selenium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. With research regarding herbs safe for chickens, combined with my knowledge of the nutritive class of herbs, I formulated a recipe for an herbal feed supplement…a supplement that could be mixed in with their usually organic feed. Amy Fewell shares tips and specific herb information to help you heal wounds and protect your chickens. It is not only anti-inflammatory, but it’s also antibacterial. In fact, a study done in 2013 states that astragalus helped prevent avian influenza and shortened the duration of the flu as well. On her 22 acres, she raises chickens and bees, not to mention she grows a wide variety of veggies. Dill is another herb that can help stimulate digestion and the appetite of your birds. Consider growing a few of these plants for your chickens – you won’t regret it. The choice is yours, but whatever you choose to do, consider adding herbs to your chickens’ diet. You can grow this plant from seed and plant the seedlings just after the last frost. Goldenseal is a plant that all chicken keepers should consider growing. It can improve your birds’ circulatory systems, and is a powerful tool for egg producers, too. Lavender, bee balm, and chamomile are relaxing for people, and hens too. My kitchen herb garden that I have on our back deck (to keep those herbs safe from the chickens!) Parsley is a common herb for chickens to eat because it’s a laying stimulant for hens and high in nutrients. Herbs and herbal health aren’t just for us; they are great for . Have a little peck at my top 10 herbs … Many people feed rosemary to their chickens as a supplement in the feed, but it can also be hung in the coop or used in a nesting box, too. You can get more chicken herbs information on Herb Cottage blog, here… 6 Natural Herbs For Healthy Chickens. Herbalism … You can fit a wonderful selection of these plants into a 4×4 raised bed quite easily. One of the easiest is to simply let your chickens free-range near the herb garden. Lavender and thyme are aromatics and are very soothing for laying hens. Just toss a handful of fresh or dried herbs in the boxes when you go to collect eggs. Your email address will not be published. Hang the leaves to dry, and then feed it to your chickens – or let them eat the wild-growing plants! Make sure any pasta you prepare for chickens is made without salt since too much sodium isn’t healthy for chickens. Here is a list of herbs to plant in or around your chicken coop: Thyme is another aromatic herb that will not only help keep pests at bay, but can help keep your chickens healthy, too. Did your mom use to make you drink echinacea tea when you were sick? Sage, like most other Mediterranean herbs, grows best in well-drained soil in full or partial sun. However, bay leaves can help boost your chickens’ immune system, and serve as good antiseptics, too. our chickens too. It is a good natural pain reliever and high in minerals and vitamins, too. Cover the herbs completely with vinegar and vodka. Clover is high in vitamins, minerals, and even protein.Chives. Oregano is one of my favorite herbs for backyard chickens. It was once used to heal wounds and respiratory problems, and is easy to grow on your property. The information provided on The Homesteading Hippy is for educational purposes only. Giving your chickens herbs can help make them happier. Grow it around your coop, and you won’t have to worry about insects or mice getting inside. This compound can impair the health of the chicken; hence, it should be avoided. They’ll be healthier than ever! Culinary herbs are easy to grow and have amazing health benefits for both you and your chickens. December 5, 2013 Leave a Comment. It’s also a great natural insecticide. All culinary herbs are safe to use around chickens, and there are many wild herbs and plants you can give to your bird, too. But if you have leftovers, herbs can be a fun treat for your chickens. Marigolds add a darker, richer color to a chicken's beak, comb, eyes, wattles, and egg yolks. Perennial; full sun to partial shade. There are many herbs that are recommended to aid in chickens health and digestion.In fact, some commercial chicken concerns have started adding oregano and cinnamon oil to their birds’ diet. We can create an herb garden chickens will enjoy and promote natural health and wellness at the same time. If you’ve ever grown chives before, you probably already know how quickly they spread. You can get more chicken herbs information on Herb Cottage blog, here… 6 Natural Herbs For Healthy Chickens. Offering chickens herbs isn’t a new method or theory. General Health Bee balm, or bergamot, is another plant to consider for your chickens. These herbs are: Fresh cassava leaves: It contains Hydrocyanide, which is an antinutrient. This easy to grow herb can kill mites and lice – plus, it has the ability to keep fleas away. Please seek professional help when needed. 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