Can they eat herbs?

[KauAnnie]

I have many herbs including rosemary, basil, cilantro and etc. Is it edible for them? Also, can they eat lavender(flowers, leaves.)? ohh and last question! Haha, I have a pond filled with fish only (koi and guppies), is it safe for them to drink from there?? Thank you!

 

[Erica]

Hi KauAnnie,

I find the chickens are very good at picking only from edible sources. They can eat herbs, but they don't seem to eat the woody ones like rosemary or lavender. I find they generally favour my radish tops, spinach, beet greens, etc... There are probably some herbs that would be harmful or toxic but I've found they simply don't eat them.

If the fish are healthy the water will be healthy and perfectly fine for chickens.

Good luck,
Erica

 

[KauAnnie]

Thank you

 

[chickenbaguette]

Herbs are good for chickens and they have lots of antioxidants and things in them! But as Erica says, they don't like the woody or too strong-flavoured ones. They'll eat the ones that are good for them

 

[islandchix]

My hens don't like the rosemary or the lavender, but go after the basil and cilantro when they can. I agree with the others, they know what to eat and not eat.

 

[Tracydr]

Quote:
My chicks love garlic chives, bee balm, mint and other mild herbs. I haven't tried woody herbs like rosemary. My sage is too little so I have't shared and I haven't noticed them eating my basil, although they're able to get to several basil plants.
Nastituriums is a favorite, too. Especially when it's covered in aphids, lol!

 

[classicsredone]

Mine love basil and cilantro, and go after our chives, too. They could care less about my rosemary plants.

 

[lfreem2]

I've tried parsley a few times, and my chickens were NOT interested.

 

[Tracydr]

Mine like garlic chives, nastituriums, bee balm, mint, cilantro and parsley. I doubt they would eat woody herbs like rosemary or lavender. I haven't shared my sage or oregano, because my plants are too small still. Basil I'm sure they would like but I love my basil so unless they nip at in the garden, I'm not sharing!