Chickens are amazing creatures—nothing quite like a flock of hens free-ranging and sand bathing in the garden. If you have the pleasure of owning chickens currently, you will know that they will eat anything. There is literally nothing safe from these mini omnivorous birds, including culinary herbs. They do have a natural sense of what is good, but it helps to know which are the best herbs to grow for chickens.
The best herbs to grow for your chickens are thyme, oregano, cilantro, sage, marjoram, garlic, and tarragon. These herbs are the safest and healthiest herbs your chickens can enjoy. They are tasty and have a lot of great health benefits that will aid your chickens in many different aspects.
Herbs, in general, are perfectly healthy for chickens. It gives them the greens they love and need for good egg production and various medicinal benefits. Chickens have a very complex digestive system and react fast if they have eaten something wrong.
Chickens will try and eat anything new, and unfortunately, they are not always pecking at safe things to eat. We will share comprehensive information regarding the best herbs to grow for chickens.
What Herbs Are Good For Chickens?
Many herbs are good for chickens besides the already listed ones. I know from personal experience with my chickens, they absolutely love cilantro more than anything. Let us look at the top 10 herbs that are good for chickens;
- Cilantro or Coriander – This herb is excellent for bone support. Cilantro is rich in Vitamins K and A and contains a lot of antioxidants.
- Alfalfa– This herb is essential for better yolk production and the general quality of the eggs. Alfalfa is an excellent protein supplement for chickens.
- Dill – To help respiratory health in your chickens, fresh dill is essential.
- Marigolds – For better blood circulation and yolk color, marigolds are a great choice.
- Mint – This herb helps aid your chickens’ digestive system and helps them regulate body temperature.
- Parsley – For great vitamin and mineral supplements, you can add chopped parsley to any scraps you feed your chickens.
- Oregano – This powerful herb with antibacterial properties helps fortify the chickens’ immune systems and combat E-Coli, coccidian, and salmonella. Something common in chickens can transfer to humans via ingestion.
- Thyme – Another powerful herb that fights respiratory infections and has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-parasitic properties.
- Sage – This herb helps fight parasites in chickens and several other diseases.
Which Fresh Herbs Keep Chickens Healthy?
These herbs help keep your chickens healthy and disease-free and should be included in their diet regularly;
- Mint
- Basil
- Thyme
- Lavender
- Sage
- Oregano
What Herbs Are Bad For Chickens?
While these herbs are great for your chickens and help them maintain good health, there are a few herbs that are not only harmful but can be fatal if they should be ingested. These herbs should be avoided at all cost;
- Comfrey – This herb can cause liver failure in chickens.
- Bitter Orange – This herb can cause stroke or heart attack in chickens.
- Eucalyptus – The leaves can harbor Aspergillosis spores which is a very dangerous fungus. It is fatal to birds and chickens.
- Pennyroyal – Even though this is a mint family, this herb causes liver failure in chickens.
What Plants Should Chickens Avoid?
- Foxglove – This beautiful plant can cause heart failure in chickens.
- Henbane – This plant causes heart failure in chickens.
- Wolfsbane – This plant can cause heart and respiratory failure in chickens.
- Aloe Vera – Although good for topical application, Aloe Vera is not suitable for chickens when ingested.
What Foods Should Chickens Not Eat?
Chickens will peck at anything you present them and likely gulp it up before you can stop them. The following foods are to be avoided;
- Chocolate of any kind.
- Green potatoes.
- Dried beans of any kind.
- Avocado skin or peel.
- Anything that has mold on it, like vegetables or bread.
What Foods Will Kill Chickens?
There are certain foods that, when ingested, will outright kill your chickens; please avoid these foods at all cost;
- Beans that are dried or semi-cooked can kill your chicken in under an hour.
- Avocado skin or the pip. It can kill your chicken in less than 48 hours.
- Dark chocolate can kill a chicken in less than 24 hours.
Is Turmeric And Ginger Good For Chickens?
Turmeric is a great spice to supplement your chickens with and is good for your chickens. The rhizome powder is especially beneficial to broilers and young chicks, helping bring down their usually high mortality rates. You can make the turmeric into a paste and mix it in with your favorite snacks.
Ginger is an excellent snack for your chickens, and it works as an appetite stimulant and a stress reliever. Dried ginger is best.
What Herbs Can You Plant Around Your Chicken Coops?
Planting herbs inside a chicken coop is probably not the best idea. Chickens will scratch, peck, and climb into and onto anything green or plant-like in their living space.
You can, however, plant herbs around the chicken coop for several reasons. Some herbs deter certain insects and flies, and you can use them to “Herbify” your coop;
- Lemon Balm – Good rodent repellent and calms the chickens.
- Lavender – Great stress reliever and natural insect repellent.
- Rosemary – Great insect repellent.
- Mint Leaves – Great spider and insect repellent.
- Nasturtium– Great laying stimulant and has antibiotic properties.
- Garlic – Great anti-fungal and a laying stimulant.
You can cut some of the plants and tie them together in bouquets. Take these and hang them upside down around your coop to “Herbify” it. The edible herbs can be used inside the coop safely.
What Is The Best Natural Dewormer For Chickens?
Some of the best deworming plants and herbs can be found in your garden, provided you already grow your food and herbs. This is especially helpful if you prefer your flock to be as organic as possible;
- Garlic – chickens love garlic, and you can chop it up and mix it into other snacks.
- Pumpkin seeds – Although not a herb, pumpkin seeds are a great deworming agent for chickens.
- Hyssop – This plant can be used as a natural deworming agent for chickens.
Can Chickens Eat Cooked Rice?
Chickens can eat cooked rice, and they love it! Mix it with some sour milk, plain yogurt, or pumpkin for a tasty snack for your girls. Never feed dry rice; however, it can compact in the crop and cause various issues in the chicken.
Is Cinnamon Safe For Chickens?
Chickens do love cinnamon, and you can mix the spice into cooked rice and milk, sprinkle it onto the pumpkin and let them eat it. The cinnamon is antibacterial and antioxidant.
Using Herbs In Your Nesting Boxes
There are a few herbs that are said to help the hens to lay eggs. You can try these herbs out and see what works best for your flock;
- Dill – To get your hens to lay easy, you can hang dried dill inside the nesting boxes.
- Basil – This is great for calming your hens and ease the laying process
- Catnip – This is an excellent insect repellent and intensely aromatic.
- Fennel– Hang dried fennel inside the nesting boxes as a laying stimulant.
- Lavender– Sprinkle dried lavender in the nesting box as a calming agent.
- Lemon Balm– Helps keep rodents away and calms the hens.
Herbs to Add to Dust Bath
Herbs make a wonderful addition to your dust baths as well. Not only are they a healthy treat while your chickens dust bathes, but they can also help your flock get rid of parasites that are living on their skin. These herbs are best dried for adding to your dust bath.
- Basil
- Oregano
- Lavender
- Lemon Balm
- Mint
- Sage
- Marjoram
- Parsley
Conclusions
Hens and herbs make a great combination. Chickens are naturally drawn to herbs, and they provide great supplementary feeding. There are several health benefits your chickens gain from eating the right herbs regularly.
Herbs are inexpensive and easy to grow in pots or a garden. Most herbs are perennial and will only get bigger every season and continue to nourish your chickens. The best herbs for your chickens can be bought at any good plant nursery or be grown from seeds or cuttings.
Now that you have the most comprehensive list of herbs best to grow for your chickens, you can start “herbifying” your coop today!