Can i give oregano oil to my chicken? if its not essential?

[Folly's place]

And you know this is true in chickens? Where's the research?

 

[Brooks_]

And you know this is true in chickens? Where's the research?

Can chickens eat oregano? I think it's unnecessary, but the proper oregano oil would be safe.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Can chickens eat oregano? I think it's unnecessary, but the proper oregano oil would be safe.

Yes they can eat it.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

And you know this is true in chickens? Where's the research?

https://agsuppliesdirect.com/oregano-oil-information

"Researchers have also directly compared the effects of commonly used antibiotics with those of various essential oils. One such study, from the March 2012 issue of the Journal of Animal Science, found that rosemary and oregano oils resulted in the same amount of growth in chickens as the antibiotic avilamycin, and that the oils killed bacteria, too. Additional findings have shown that essential oils help reduce salmonella in chickens, and another study found that a blend of several oils can limit the spread of salmonella among animals."

The journal of animal science study below:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22064737/

The info is out there regarding the research. There are even oregano oil products marketed for chickens. I use oil of oregano for other things, but the chickens eat my garden herbs whenever they get the chance. Oregano oil is an antioxidant and an antimicrobial.

 

[Folly's place]

I want to add that studies involving commercially raised Cornishx birds, processes at maybe six or eight weeks of age, aren't always relevant for 'backyard' hens of any other breed types, meant to live a lot longer.
Mary

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I want to add that studies involving commercially raised Cornishx birds, processes at maybe six or eight weeks of age, aren't always relevant for 'backyard' hens of any other breed types, meant to live a lot longer.
Mary

I'm sure you read through it and noted there is more to the study. It was a study on coccidiosis and the effects of oregano oil. Many backyard chicken owners also have meat birds. A chicken is a chicken. So, I would disagree with your statement.
There are other studies as well. They most likely chose meat birds due to the end result was to slaughter and check the tissue samples. A meat bird would offer more to test as well they grow exponentially.

Here is another study this one was for oregano oil in feed (which some feeds contain):
https://www.researchgate.net/public..._and_Laurel_Essential_Oils_in_Chicken_Feeding
They used meat birds, but they also explain that they needed to test the different levels of the tissues. A meat bird would have more tissue to offer.

And another that studies oregano and garlic:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7411182/
In the intro they explain why they use broiler chickens.
"In the last few decades, the performance of broiler chickens has shown a continuous improvement in terms of achieving slaughter body weight in a shorter time, with improved feed efficiency. The main reasons for this achievement have been advances in modern broiler genotypes and intensification of management care and welfare."
Frontiers in Veterinary Science


Whether or not to use oregano oil would be up to the individual, but there is research to back a person's decision.
As humans we rely on studies involving different animals (pigs, mice, just to name a couple). We can't just brush aside information because it doesn't coincide with our preconceptions.

Here's an interesting article without all of the dissertations regarding natural "antibiotics" that animals (pets and livestock) as well as humans can use. The author notes the research and resources in the write up.
https://www.superfoodly.com/strongest-natural-antibiotics/

As with all things that we use for the animals that we care for, research is an important and valuable tool to figure out what works best for our situation and our individual homestead. The research might involve scientific journals or it would involve talking to an experienced person. The information we gleam here on BYC has to have some backing (Most comes from the scientific world - although I've never questioned what type of chicken they tested on.) We even give advice for remedies that aren't specific to chickens (an example would be using goat wormer that is not labeled for the use on chickens).

I understand the reluctance to try something new. On BYC there is a push against any holistic approaches when it comes to chicken rearing. Whatever the OP wanted to use oregano oil for, I'm sure is not that involved. But, it's not going to hurt the chicken. It may or may not produce the results they want. But, at that point, then it might be time to seek a tried and true chemical or even medical advice according to their individual preferences and management style.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Interesting. How does one administer said oil to one's chickens?

 

[Sheryl-02]

Why do you need to give them oregano oil?.

i read it somewhere that it helps with respiratory infection
i don't have vetrx where im living that's why im trying the oil

 

[Sheryl-02]

Could you post a pic of the oil in question?

okay.
here it is
see it doesn't say anywhere that its essential oil im kinda worried.. i only have this

 

[Brooks_]

okay.
here it is
see it doesn't say anywhere that its essential oil im kinda worried.. i only have this
View attachment 2844472View attachment 2844473

Not a brand that I'm familiar with, but does look like a safe one,