herbal medicine garden for chickens

[mobius]

 

[thewatsonfarm]

[QUOTE="Leahs Mom, post:
Yes, the citronella is a one of the geramium plants. Just learned that this year. I have a large planter just outside the barn door with citronella planted there in an attempt to stop flies.

Leahs Mom,

If citronella is a geranium, do you think planting regular geraniums has any effect keeping flies away?

 

[GldnValleyHens]

Chickens definitely eat up nasturtium but it's worth it, because it is so pretty and healthy. Annual is fine because you just replant in the spring and it keeps disease from becoming endemic in thecsoil

 

[Leahs Mom]

I don't know on the regular geranium. I'd have to look that one up. But it definitely has a strong smell to the leaves that seems like it would repel!

 

[GldnValleyHens]

Never thought of trying citronella plants....clever. We always have bad flies in the coop, and they lay eggs in the bedding YUCK. I did switch from shavings to straw, because shaving dust causes cancer!! Maybe straw will be better? But maybe citronella is worth considering

 

[mobius]

Ok I tested a couple EOs on a piece of cardboard with regard to flies and my results are
that LEMONGRASS does an AMAZING job and seems to last a long time as well (as in at least five days). Seems like flies won't come anywhere near it...WHEE!

I put about five drops on a piece of 2x2 inch cardboard.

 

[NotAFarm]

Ok I tested a couple EOs on a piece of cardboard with regard to flies and my results are
that LEMONGRASS does an AMAZING job and seems to last a long time as well (as in at least five days). Seems like flies won't come anywhere near it...WHEE!

I put about five drops on a piece of 2x2 inch cardboard.

Which brand of Lemongrass EO did you use?

 

[mobius]

It is the NOW brand...nothing fancy...

I have also had trouble with flies being attracted to the fermented food jar. Seriously attracted. They are now gone. Because I put the EO cardboard near the ferment.

Citronella EO may work very well too, I just haven't tested it. I tested lavender and peppermint tho, and it didn't seem to have quite the effect or the lingering aroma. The lemongrass was virtually instant.

At this rate I may start wearing it as perfume.

 

[The Hen Hut]

I have a book called: Backyard Foraging that discusses how to use the hosta sprouts for eating. I don't have any where my chickens can get to them but I'll bet they'd eat them if they have the chance.

Do you have a link for the vermex pellets? Are you saying that your birds love them?

Yes, my hens love to eat Vermex Pellets I'm pleased to say.

 

[The Hen Hut]

Yes, my hens love to eat Vermex Pellets I'm pleased to say.

Look up www.verm-X.com. There are two types I use, one for intestinal hygiene I.e. Parasites and another for general good health of my birds. Available in liquid or pellet form. The name on the product is as follows Paddocks Farm Partnership Ltd., Taunton, Somerset, TA4 2HQ U.K