Essential oils and chickens

[Katlinalyssa]

Anyone use essential oils on or around their chickens? I am new to chickens but I use essential oils in my home for myself and my son. I’ve read a little bit about using them to deter pests from chickens but wondered if anyone had any real experiences with using them with their chickens.

 

[HeartsDelight]

I know they are extremely toxic to parrots due to their sensitive respiratory systems, and assume that would also be the case with other birds.

It is NOT something I would risk with any bird, myself.

 

[Callender Girl]

I LOVE essential oils and have a friend who is quite knowledgeable about their use in humans. However, I would worry about using them directly on birds. I have read of folks who use just a few drops in a spray when they are cleaning coops. I have never tried it; if someone has successfully done so, it would be great to hear how much and what oil was used.

 

[ThracianHorse]

The only oils you should be using around birds are oils that can be ingested safely. Using anything else is asking for trouble and very sick or dead birds.

 

[Bridger Davis]

The only oils you should be using around birds are oils that can be ingested safely. Using anything else is asking for trouble and very sick or dead birds.

Which ones would that be?

 

[ThracianHorse]

Which ones would that be?

Olive, corn, coconut, and canola oils are safe in small amounts. Avocado oil probably is not safe, and I do not know off the top of my head if grapeseed oil is. There are other human-edible oils I'd be wary of, especially if they've been infused with say, garlic, or other things toxic to birds. A good red-faced test is asking if it's toxic to parrots, and going from there. The safe and not-safe chicken treat list is also a great place to get an idea of what might and might not be okay - I suggest consulting that.

Given the way birds preen, it generally isn't a good idea to use anything that can't safely go through a chicken on them. There is evidence to suggest some of the ones people like to use such as tea-tree oil and eucalyptus oil are poisonous to birds.

TL;DR - I'd say avoid using them until you have absolutely trustworthy information on the topic - as in, ask your Veterinarian. They should be the first and last authority on the subject.

 

[Bridger Davis]

Olive, corn, coconut, and canola oils are safe in small amounts. Avocado oil probably is not safe, and I do not know off the top of my head if grapeseed oil is. There are other human-edible oils I'd be wary of, especially if they've been infused with say, garlic, or other things toxic to birds. A good red-faced test is asking if it's toxic to parrots, and going from there. The safe and not-safe chicken treat list is also a great place to get an idea of what might and might not be okay - I suggest consulting that.

Given the way birds preen, it generally isn't a good idea to use anything that can't safely go through a chicken on them. There is evidence to suggest some of the ones people like to use such as tea-tree oil and eucalyptus oil are poisonous to birds.

TL;DR - I'd say avoid using them until you have absolutely trustworthy information on the topic - as in, ask your Veterinarian. They should be the first and last authority on the subject.

Great tips, thank you! I will consult my vet before using EOS around my birds

 

[Saaniya]

Anyone use essential oils on or around their chickens? I am new to chickens but I use essential oils in my home for myself and my son. I’ve read a little bit about using them to deter pests from chickens but wondered if anyone had any real experiences with using them with their chickens.

I use oregano oil
Oregano oil is a natural Antibiotic
It also treat several things URI , Ecoli , Avain Bronchitis , staphylococcus , Coccidiosis and bumblefoot soaking , kill leg mites , and lice and mites too
I use it one a month to boost Immunity .
Dosage is 1 drop in 1 gallon

For foot soak 2-5 drops in a tub

 

[paneubert]

Peppermint oil is hated by mice and rats. While expensive to maintain, some people who refuse to use traps or poisons report success spraying peppermint oil around their coop weekly. I would not do it personally, but wanted to report a usage case for essential oils.

 

[EdenHallow]

*I am in no way a chicken expert. I have only been in the chicken business for just over a year. I have, however, been in the Essential Oil club for 3 years, and have done a LOT of research and learning on them. I wouldn't call myself an expert on those either, BUT I have a LOT of resources. PLEASE, do not use an essential oil unless you KNOW it is of high quality. PLEASE PLEASE, do NOT use 'grocery store oils', as you never know what could be in them (even if they are labeled as "pure essential oils" or "all natural" ect.). I ONLY trust oils from one specific company. *

I add a drop of oregano oil to my chickens water every so often, along with a splash of apple cider vinegar. My big kids were a year old early in June, and they have never had any illnesses.

Lavender can help them chill out a bit, so when they have a situation where they might be stressing out, they get a drop of lavender. I have heard that eating lavender isn't good for them, however I've only put it in their water a few times and it didn't seem to hurt them. I only put 1 drop into a 2 gallon waterer.

Fennel is amazing for supporting female reproductive health, so my girls occasionally get a drop of fennel in their water. It helps support their egg laying department. Again, I usually use 1 drop in their whole waterer.

Yes, essential oils will float on top of the water, BUT their goodness does get incorporated into the water. For reference, I like to drop oils into my own water. I usually use my stainless steel cup with a reusable straw. I will have my water with the straw, and drop my oils on top. The oil floats on top, but when I take a drink with my straw, I can taste the oils!

I have also been meaning to do some extensive research, and come up with the perfect recipe for a multi-purpose "coop spray" that'll do it all. Help with pests, deodorize, and be beneficial to the girls. If ever I figure it out, I will definitely share