16. In fact, a study done in 2013 states that astragalus helped prevent avian influenza and shortened the duration of the flu as well. It not only contains vitamins A, C, B, K, and E, but it also contains tons of selenium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. It’s also a great natural insecticide. Oregano is one of the best herbs for chickens to eat and there’s a couple reasons for that. They are high in iron, too – a plus for chickens who are suffering from parasitic infections. They come back every year, so plant them once and your job will be done. Perennial; full sun to partial shade. Yarrow isn’t the first herb that people think of growing, but if you want to improve the health of your chickens, it’s a top pick. It can be used to fight respiratory infections and also has antibacterial properties. It can clear out your sinuses and respiratory tract, too. Herbs provide your flock with extra vitamins and minerals that they might not receive through their feed. There are all kinds of mint you can grow and/or serve to your chickens, including chocolate mint, orange mint, catmint, lemon balm, catnip, peppermint, and spearmint. Required fields are marked *. Herbs for Chicken Immunity. The difference between tonic herbs and medicinal herbs, How to determine safe dosages or serving sizes, How to measure a safe dosage for infants and children, What herbs to use with caution with the elderly. Cover the herbs completely with vinegar and vodka. However, bay leaves can help boost your chickens’ immune system, and serve as good antiseptics, too. There are several ways you can incorporate herbs in your hens’ diets, whether it’s scattering them in the nesting boxes or coop, or adding them to their feed. Chickens Gardening Gardening with Chickens Health Issues Plants Projects; Fresh Herb Garden for Chickens. You can use herbs for chickens to help combat ailments and prevent illnesses, and in fact, it’s one of the best ways to keep your flock healthy and happy. Herbs. Some Herbs and their benefits The herbs that are mentioned above have separate benefits for chicken. Dandelions can encourage laying, and are incredibly delicious and nutritious. is full of basil, dill, mint, parsley, sage and thyme that I use in my cooking. It smells great, so it might be a good idea to hang some in your coop. They are packed with nutrients that can target organs or are great for over all health. Another “weed” to consider growing is chickweed. December 5, 2013 Leave a Comment. Chickens understand that these herbs can help self-medicate, so if given a chance to free-range, they’ll pick herbs that benefit their health. I grow a wide assortment of herbs to use in cooking and also in conjunction with raising our chickens and ducks to keep them healthy naturally, without the use of antibiotics or medications. Having culinary and medicinal herbs right outside your chicken coop provides your chickens with easy access to these chicken-friendly plants, while also making it convenient for you to add oregano or rosemary to your morning omelet. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. There are a number of common herbs we can grow for chickens for general health. The important herbs that are useful for the health of chicken and also so that they could lay healthy eggs are comfrey, garlic, chickweed, elder, hyssop, feverfew, nasturtium, tansy, lavender, kale, Gotu Kola, and nettle. Whether you scatter herbs in your coop and nesting boxes to help repel insects and parasites, feed them fresh to your chickens or dry them to add to feed, you can greatly improve your chickens’ health by incorporating a few herbs into their living environment … They can be scattered in the nesting boxes to act as a natural insect repellent. It is rich in calcium and vitamins K and E. You can feed the herb directly to your chickens, or hang it in their coop for them to play with. From pest repellent properties to health boosters, herbs really are nature's medicine for hens and humans alike! They also have some health benefits. Clover is high in vitamins, minerals, and even protein.Chives. It can greatly impair the health of the chicken or cause death when fed heavily. I feed fresh sage leaves free-choice to my hens, as well as add dried sage to their feed. Here are some of the best herbs for your chickens to keep them healthy. Chamomile isn’t just for your tea! Similarly, herbs can really help to boost the health of your chickens. Others act as antibiotics and antiseptics. Lavender also is antibacterial, antifungal, helps to fight off staph infections, and improves your chickens’ digestion! Chickens will eat both the stems and leaves of parsley, and there are a ton of nutritional benefits associated with them doing so, too. Sage promotes chickens’ general health and well-being. Tobacco leaves: These contain a stimulant called Nicotine. Oregano is well-known for its antibacterial properties, and it’s becoming the darling of the egg industry because studies are showing that it’s more potent than antibiotics for keeping chickens healthy. Holistic Living We started our homesteading adventure in 2010 when our son was diagnosed with childhood asthma. Lovage is not a very common herb, but if you can get your hands on some, feed it to your chickens. Here is a list of herbs to plant in or around your chicken coop: Tansy. Lavender is calming, soothing and aromatic. And, happier chickens lay more eggs. It helps their body repel pests and parasites, boosts their immune system and keeps insects away from the chicken coop. Herbs are great for this! It was once used to heal wounds and respiratory problems, and is easy to grow on your property. Just as they do for human beings, many herbs used in the kitchen have lots of health benefits for chickens. We can create an herb garden chickens will enjoy and promote natural health and wellness at the same time. This will keep the boxes free from pests and incredibly nice-smelling, too. Believe it or not, feeding parsley to your chickens on a regular basis can stimulate egg-laying. Have a little peck at my top 10 herbs … Instead of mowing all the dandelions down on your front lawn, why not harvest them and feed them to the chickens? My kitchen herb garden that I have on our back deck (to keep those herbs safe from the chickens!) Make sure any pasta you prepare for chickens is made without salt since too much sodium isn’t healthy for chickens. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) Most commonly known for its immune stimulating properties, astragalus is one of the most beneficial herbs you can offer to your chickens on a regular basis as a preventative herb. Plus, echinacea, or coneflower, produces gorgeous blooms that look great in your garden. Garlic has fantastic natural benefits for chook-kind! Summer is almost upon us. It supports healthy immune systems, and hens love to GOBBLE down the little green flecks. You probably already know this. In fact, a study done in 2013 proved that astragalus helped prevent avian influenza in some birds and limited the duration of the illness in others. Just as it is for you, lavender is an aromatic stress reliever it can improve blood circulation, too, which is essential for laying hens. Another less-common herb to consider growing in your garden is chervil. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, this herb can even combat salmonella. Tansy is a powerful insect repellent. That’s because this herb can help improve your overall immune system and respiratory health, helping you fight off a cold more efficiently. When I notice a potential health problem, I can immediately start supportive treatment by visiting my herb garden. Culinary herbs are easy to grow and have amazing health benefits for both you and your chickens. Just toss a handful of fresh or dried herbs in the boxes when you go to collect eggs. The chickens, though, require much less guidance. Herbs are amazing for chickens and have numerous health benefits. Add dried sage to the feed for a delicious dose of nutrients! They’ll grow quite companionably side by side (in either full sun or part shade), creating not only a beautiful-looking garden, but also one with herbal ‘henefits’. You can add them free choice, or you can sprinkle them in the feed. Just as herbs are good for your own well-being, they can help with the general health of your chickens as well as treat infestations of lice, mites, and worms. Herbs can also be used to treat chooks for infestations of worms, lice and mites. You might have some trouble growing your own bay leaves for your chickens – these aren’t always the easiest to grow, as you need a certain climate to grow a bay tree. They can be fed raw to the chickens. You can even grow a few near your chicken’s free-ranging area so your chickens can peck for them on their own! Rosemary is an excellent pain reliever and can keep pests away. It can greatly impair the health of the chicken or cause death when fed heavily. Mint helps repel insects. Herbalism … But what you might not know is that these herbs are also great for your chickens, too. Clover might not be considered an herb by everyone, but it’s definitely a plant worth growing. You can grow it in your chicken’s pen and allow them to eat it down themselves (it won’t take long!) Strain this into a new glass jar. They’ll be healthier than ever! There are lots of culinary herbs that have wonderful health benefits for your chickens, and can enhance both their diet and environment. Oregano has some pretty powerful antibiotic properties. All culinary herbs are safe to use around chickens, and there are many wild herbs and plants you can give to your bird, too. It is not only anti-inflammatory, but it’s also antibacterial. Healthy Herb Garden Chickens Will Love – the top 16 herbs for chickens! Combine the herbs and peels in a one-quart mason jar. Grow it around your coop, and you won’t have to worry about insects or mice getting inside. This easy to grow herb can kill mites and lice – plus, it has the ability to keep fleas away. When it comes time to clean out your chicken coop, you can combine herbs with vinegar and water for a healthy cleaner, too. Parsley contains magnesium and Vitamin K, which aids in blood vessel development (13). Rosemary, Dill and Basil planted by the chicken run. Bee balm, or bergamot, is another plant to consider for your chickens. After the last frost and respiratory tract, too likely heard of near chicken... 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