Herbs for Chickens

Hey everyone. I was wondering if anyone could help me proof this site: http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/2013/05/herbs-and-their-uses-for-your-chickens.html. I want to know if it's accurate before throwing a ton of herbs to the hens. For example, I've heard mixed things on garlic and if its safe or not. I know some of it's right, but I want to know for sure. Thanks.

- SussexLover

All those herbs look to be good. Now you have to ask yourself "" what is my objective ??? "" Does money and cost not matter.??? Do I need my chickens to live many years past their egg laying cycle ???
I agree that GOOD NUTRITION is a good thing, but does not lead to immortality. If you are going to start feeding your chickens ALL those herbs, then I think you may end up with an EMPTY WALLET.
Many of those herbs are for people use. ( catnip obviously not ) so if you have some extra that you no longer need, then turn your chickens on to them.
I keep chickens as pets only, and they live long lives. I let mine free range, as well as feed them Allflock, scratch, bird seeds, All sort of kitchen scraps. ( vegetable, fruit, and breads. NO sweets, chocolate, salt, or rotten etc.)
My latest chicken to go to other side lived 13 years. Others lived 8 years + - .. My current oldest living hen is 9 1/2. I did not go out of my way to feed them a science diet. They did all right. Unfortunately predators shortened the lives of many of my pets. Herbs and science diets would have done them no benefit.
WISHING YOU BEST

Sussexlover said:

Hey everyone. I was wondering if anyone could help me proof this site: http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/2013/05/herbs-and-their-uses-for-your-chickens.html. I want to know if it's accurate before throwing a ton of herbs to the hens. For example, I've heard mixed things on garlic and if its safe or not. I know some of it's right, but I want to know for sure. Thanks.

- SussexLover 

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One chicken keeper I really trust says oregano is very good for them. Another experienced chicken keeper I know will crush rosemary in her hands and then rub her chickens' legs as a mite repellent. So those are two that might be worth trying. I toss two fresh rosemary sprigs and a little fresh lavender in the coop every evening before chicken bedtime. Chickens can be sensitive, so I wouldn't overwhelm them with anything. Mine will eat fresh oregano growing in the ground -- if you can plant some, that might be cheaper than buying dried.

Thanks a ton. My chickens I keep as pets, and anything that might make them happier and/or healthier might be worth a try. I simply wanted to know because I love studying chickens, and am interested in natural remedies and their uses for them. I've thrown basil in a commonly used nesting box before, because I'd heard it helps repertory heath. I'm happy to know the list is accurate, so that I may go on to learn and try some of the herbs. The rosemary crushed mite thing sounds interesting....might have to try it some time. Thanks again. I'll defiantly use your advice.

Thanks. Your chickens sound like happy hens. I'll take your advice on the herbs, and any more advice on any topic would be heard out. I want my chickens to live long, healthy lives. Thanks.

Sussexlover said:

Thanks a ton. My chickens I keep as pets, and anything that might make them happier and/or healthier might be worth a try. I simply wanted to know because I love studying chickens, and am interested in natural remedies and their uses for them. I've thrown basil in a commonly used nesting box before, because I'd heard it helps repertory heath. I'm happy to know the list is accurate, so that I may go on to learn and try some of the herbs. The rosemary crushed mite thing sounds interesting....might have to try it some time. Thanks again. I'll defiantly use your advice.

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Glad it was helpful! I am kind of new to chickens (mine are just over a year), and I am amazed at how sweet they are and how much joy they bring! There is a very nice "natural chicken keeping" thread on this site that someone recently directed me to -- you could try subscribing to it for more info on natural remedies.

Strong herbs seem to taint the egg flavor a little. Parsley and cilantro are some of my chickens favorites.

i dont feed my chickens herb but i do put lavender sprigs, rose petals, and mint leaves in out nesting boxes in and around the coop

Thank you for posting this article. I love herbs. I am new to raising chickens. Just bought my first chicks yesterday!! I have a little herb garden but now will make sure to share my herbs with my chickens. What a delight that will be!

Here is another article:

http://www.hobbyfarms.com/12-herbs-to-grow-around-your-chicken-coop/

Thx for posting this link. Its been very helpful. I give my chickens(and goats and pig) kitchen scraps also. They love getting the extra veggies and bottom of lettuce heads, celery, tomatoes, etc.