Herbs

[Rreese]

Does anyone use herbs in their nest boxes, coops or around their pens? What kind?

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Yes! I love herbs and have been using them for about 2 years now. I use them in the nests, coop, run, water and food. I use all kinds. Ones to use in the nest are the herbs strong in aromatherapy. Lavender, thyme, lemon balm, rose petals, oregano and marigolds are all highly aromatic and good for laying and broody hens.
Some herbs that are good to use in the coop and run are not only aromatic herbs but also ones that help repel insects. For example: Mint helps repel flies. Cinnamon helps repel earwigs, ants and cockroaches. Peppermint repels some spiders. Mosquitoes hate marigolds. Earwigs however, like to hide in marigolds.
Herbs can also be added to the flock's feed and water dishes. Some herbs even act as feed and layer supplements. These include: garlic, parsley, fennel and marjoram. If you are wanting dark orange egg yolks, feed your hens marigolds and dandelion greens. Pretty much all herbs can be fed to your flock. Some are just better ingested than others.
When it comes to using herbs in the water, I've only used garlic. Apple cider vinegar, although not an herb, is wonderful to put in water. It boosts the chickens' immunity, respiratory and digestive systems.
Here are several articles I've written on herbs and such too.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/why-i-love-marigolds
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/nest-box-aromatherapy
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/herbs-flowers-and-weeds-for-chickens
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/three-common-herbs-whose-uses-in-chickens-youll-never-guess
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ealth-benefit-provided-by-this-everyday-green
Hope this helps!