Herbs For Chickens?

[Better Than Rubies]

I'm growing spearmint and periodically will pick off sprigs from the lovely foliage and sprinkle the leaves in my chickens' run, as well as putting a little bit in the coop, to freshen things up (I'll be honest, though...I'm not sure I really notice a big--if any--difference, lol). I'm also growing lavender to put in their nesting box when they start to lay-- if we'll even build some, that is--and it's finally doing good and has new buds, new light purple flowers, and some gorgeous deep purple flowers... I should post pictures of them. And I'm growing oregano right by their run as well, because I, too, have read it's good for their health and what not. They used to eat it a little, but they don't seem to like it anymore. I'm also growing basil, but for my tomatoes, not chickens (the chickens don't like that either, it seems).

 

[AleRae78]

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I have toyed with the idea of adding one drop of oregano EO to their water (2 gallons) every once in a while but never thought to put a drop in the nesting boxes. Thanks for the post, I will add lavender EO to their coop today.

I have lavender, marigolds , peppermint and lemongrass planted around the coop in an effort to keep insects at bay. I think it really does help and either way it sure smells good LOL

Nice little abode for your chickens there--love that!!

 

[$pent_Hens]

Herbs are amazing for chickens and have numerous health benefits. Lavender and thyme are aromatics and are very soothing for laying hens. Mint helps repel insects. Parsley can help heal external skin issues and boosts the immune system. Marigolds add a darker, richer color to a chicken's beak, comb, eyes, wattles, and egg yolks.


I've written several articles on specific herbs in you're interested at all--they're linked below. But to answer you question; yes! Go for it! Your birds will love it.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/herbs-flowers-and-weeds-for-chickens.67493/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/nest-box-aromatherapy.66801/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ose-uses-in-chickens-youll-never-guess.67259/

Thank you so much! Great articles

 

[HollyWoozle]

Interesting thread. We have LOADS of sage and mint growing, as well as lavender, rose mary and oregano. A little parsley too! Am never really sure what to do with it all so perhaps the chickens would like some.

 

[Better Than Rubies]

Here's a picture of my lavender!

I picked them earlier today.

 

[Carol1948]

I need ideas for using the crushed feed in the bottom of the feeder - any suggestions ?

 

[PetesChicks]

I need ideas for using the crushed feed in the bottom of the feeder - any suggestions ?

Are you talking about the fine powder from the feed? If so, mix it with water to make mash, or ferment it. Your girls will probably love it.

I actually sift through the bag of feed when I open it, the crumble goes into the big can for the feeders, and the powder goes into a separate can to use for Fermented Feed. They get about 8 scoops of FF a day, and the dry is available 24/7.