Herbs in the lay boxes

[jk47]

I heard form my grand mother that when she was a kid they would put some herbs in each nests box and her faimily claimed that senc
It smelled good the hens would want to lay more is their any fact about this or is it just a bunch of folklore

 

[sourland]

I believe that the sense of smell of chickens is quite limited; therefore, I would say folklore. That being said herbs, fresh hay, clean nest boxes result in pleasant smelling eggs.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

I don't think it matters if a hen wants to lay more or not--any more than wanting a baby will make a human woman ovulate more.

I agree with sourland though--the herbs will make gathering eggs more pleasant for you, so go for it!

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

The herbs may also deter pests as well

 

[lazy gardener]

Ideas for herbs? I'm thinking lemon balm, not sure what else would be appropriate/safe to use. Perhaps dried marigold as well.

 

[jk47]

The herbs may also deter pests as well

That's an idea like what other posters said what herbs would be good/safe sences hens will eat or try to eat anything that's a plant
And thank you all for reading my posts and giving helpfully advise

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I put rosemary and thyme (or basil or oregano or whatever I've got on hand that smells nice) and when my lavender comes back, I'll add that as well. Usually just things I've got on hand and cook with, they get all that stuff in scraps so I didn't figure it would bother them if they ate it. Tho, I've never seen them eating it, just placing it on their backs when they nest. Its wonderful to hug a chicken that smells like rosemary or lavender