Using herbs and other beneficial plants for chickens is a natural and holistic approach to enhancing the health and well-being of your feathered flock.
Herbs can be incorporated into chicken diets to boost their immune systems, improve digestion, and even act as natural insect repellents. They can also create a calming and stress-reducing environment in the coop. Whether you’re using herbs in their feed, water, nesting boxes, or simply letting them forage in an herbal garden, these natural remedies can be a valuable addition to your poultry care routine, promoting happier and healthier chickens.
In this article we will introduce some of the herbs and plants recommended for chickens, their benefits, some of the more commonly available species/varieties, as well as how they can be used.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is a tasty and nutritious herb that not only humans, but also chickens can enjoy. Feeding basil to chickens can offer various benefits, thanks to its nutritional content and potential calming effects.
Benefits:
- Antibacterial – Basil is considered to have antibacterial properties which can help prevent respiratory and other infections.
- Anti-Inflammatory – The oils in basil contain eugenol, linalool, and citronellol which help fight inflammation.
- Appetite Stimulant – Basil’s pleasant scent can stimulate chickens’ appetites, encouraging them to eat well.
- Natural Repellent – Some studies suggest that basil may have mild insect-repelling properties when chickens consume it, helping to keep pests at bay.
- Nutritional Content – Basil is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, and beta-carotene which can contribute to the overall health of chickens.
- Stress Reduction – The aroma of basil has a soothing influence, which can reduce stress in the coop and promote a more relaxed environment.
Varieties: Sweet Basil, Lemon Basil, Genovese, Mint Basil, Purple Ball, Cinnamon Basil, Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum/Ocimum tenuiflorum; tulsi).
Use: It’s best to use fresh basil since the majority of basil’s health benefits come from the oils contained within the fresh leaves. Once dried many of these oils and their health benefits disappear.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula, also known as pot or garden marigold, is known to have several health benefits; however, there are also some who may have allergic reactions to it.
*NOTE: Some people (and possibly chickens) could have an allergic reaction to Calendula. People who are allergic to ragweed, daisies, other marigolds etc. should avoid touching it.
Benefits:
- Anti-Inflammatory – Calendula contains flavonoids which can help reduce inflammation.
- Color Enhancement – Some poultry keepers believe that the pigments in calendula petals can enhance the color of egg yolks.
- Nutritional Content – Calendula flowers are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and antioxidants, contributing to the overall health of chickens.
- Skin Health / Wound Healing – One of the most common uses of Calendula is for treating skin conditions such as wounds and rashes. It is also known to promote new skin tissue growth.
- Stress Reduction – The presence of calendula in the coop or run can have a calming influence and create a more soothing environment.
Varieties of Calendula: Orange King, Pink Sunrise, Snow Princess. There are numerous varieties and colors of Calendula to choose from and all contain medicinal properties.
Use: Typically only the flowers of calendula are used. You can pick these every couple days and this will promote the plant to continue to produce more buds. The flowers can be added fresh or dried to food, water, or substrate. While your chickens may not have allergies to the plant, it’s best to provide a small amount in one area of your coop and see how your chickens react to it.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile has long been known for its medicinal properties, especially its ability to help calm and promote sleep.
Benefits:
- Digestive Aid – Chamomile is known for its mild digestive properties. For chickens, this means it can assist in the digestion process, potentially reducing the occurrence of digestive issues.
- Respiratory Support – Some poultry keepers have observed that chamomile’s gentle aroma may aid in supporting respiratory health in chickens, especially during times of stress or illness.
- Stress Reduction – Much like its effects on people, chamomile can help alleviate stress and anxiety in chickens. In the sometimes hectic world of the coop, this natural calming agent can create a more tranquil and harmonious environment.
Varieties: German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), English/Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).
Use: Provide fresh or dried flowers to your chickens feed, water or coop areas.
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
Cilantro, also known as coriander, can offer several health benefits to chickens due to its nutritional content.
Benefits:
- Appetite Stimulation – The refreshing aroma and taste of cilantro can stimulate chickens’ appetites, encouraging them to eat well.
- Digestive Aid – Cilantro contains compounds that may aid in digestion, supporting healthy gastrointestinal function in chickens.
- Nutrient-Rich – Cilantro is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, which can contribute to the overall health of chickens.
Varieties: Calypso, Caribe, Confetti, Delfino, Moroccan
Use: All parts of the plant can be consumed but the feathery leaves are what is most commonly used. Plant around your chickens pen or pull off leaves and add to your chickens feed. The leaves spoil quickly so it’s not recommend to add them to water.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
While typically considered a weed, dandelion leaves and flowers are a nutritious treat and can be foraged by chickens in your yard or they can be added to your chickens diet to provide some extra nutritional benefits.
Benefits:
- Appetite Stimulation – Consuming dandelion leaves can help stimulate chickens’ appetites, encouraging them to eat well.
- Digestive Aid – Dandelions are known to have mild diuretic and digestive properties, which can help support healthy digestion in chickens.
- Nutrient-Rich – Dandelion leaves are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron, which can contribute to the overall health and well-being of chickens.
- Natural Foraging – Dandelions are often found in yards and gardens, making them a readily available forage option. Allowing chickens to forage for dandelions can enhance their diet and provide mental stimulation.
Varieties: Common, Red-Seeded, Russian, Japanese White, Californian
Use: All parts of the dandelion are edible including the flower head (not when it’s become a seed head), the leaves, stems, and roots. For chickens, you can plant the flowers around their pen for forage, or provide the leaves and flower heads as a treat.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is a well-known stress reliever for humans, but it can also help reduce stress in chickens as well. Placing dried lavender in nesting boxes can create a more relaxed environment.
Benefits:
- Aromatic Enhancement – Lavender can enhance the overall scent in the coop, making it a more pleasant and tranquil environment.
- Natural Insect Repellent – Lavender’s scent can also act as a natural insect repellent, helping to deter flies, mosquitoes, and other pests from the coop.
- Stress Reduction – Lavender has a soothing aroma that can help reduce stress and anxiety in chickens, creating a more relaxed and harmonious coop atmosphere.
Varieties of Lavender: English, French, Fernleaf, Spanish.
Uses: Most chickens won’t like the flavor of lavender. Instead, hang dried lavender sprigs around their coop or sprinkle the dried flowers among their bedding.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family and is considered to have calming properties. Its leaves have a light lemony scent and the small flowers that bloom in summer are well-loved by bees.
Benefits:
- Appetite Stimulation – The aroma and taste of lemon balm can stimulate chickens’ appetites, encouraging them to eat well.
- Antibacterial Some studies show that lemon balm has antibacterial properties and can help protect against certain bacterial illnesses.
- Aromatic Environment – The presence of lemon balm in the coop can create a pleasant and calming environment due to its refreshing and soothing scent.
- Digestive Aid – Lemon balm is thought to aid in digestion and support healthy gastrointestinal functions in chickens.
- Insect Repellent – The lemon scent of this herb may help repel certain insects from the coop or the areas where chickens forage.
- Stress Reduction – Lemon balm is known for its calming properties and can help reduce stress and anxiety in chickens, creating a more relaxed coop environment.
Varieties: Aurea, All Gold.
Use: Plant lemon balm plants around your chicken pen or use leaves, either dried or fresh, can be scattered about the floor of a coop or run or added to chicken’s water source.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemongrass is a fragrant and citrusy herb native to Southeast Asia and is commonly used in Thai cuisine.
Benefits:
- Anti-Inflammatory – Lemongrass contains the flavonoid quercetin which is known for having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It can reduce inflammation, which is thought to help inhibit the development of cancer cells and can also help prevent heart issues.
- Aromatic Environment – The presence of lemongrass in the coop can create a pleasant and calming environment due to its refreshing scent.
- Digestive Aid – Some poultry keepers believe that lemongrass can aid in digestion and support healthy gastrointestinal function in chickens.
- Insect Repellent – Lemongrass has natural insect-repelling properties due to its citrus scent. By planting lemongrass around the coop or allowing chickens to forage it, you can help deter flies and mosquitoes.
- Nutritional Content – Lemongrass contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which can contribute to the overall health of chickens.
Varieties: West Indian (Cymbopogon citratus), East Indian (Cymbopogon flexuosus).
Use: Plant live plants around your chickens coop or run or cut up leaf stalks and ad to feed.
Mint (Mentha)
Mint is one of the plants I recommend growing for your chickens the most. Not only is it very easy to grow, it also has multiple different uses for your chickens. Mint grows fast and spreads very easily. It’s best to grow it within a container to keep it from spreading to areas you don’t want it. Mint can grow in a variety of conditions including sun and shade, but prefers to not get too much sun during hot summer months.
Benefits:
- Aromatic Enhancement – Mint leaves sprinkled throughout a coop can enhance the overall scent, making it a more pleasant and tranquil environment. You can also grow mint plants in pots or areas in and around the coop.
- Digestive Aid – Mint has mild digestive properties that can aid in healthy digestion for chickens.
- Insect & rodent Repellent – Mint has a strong, refreshing scent that can help repel insects, flies, and mice from the coop and the areas where chickens forage.
- Stimulation – The aroma of mint can stimulate chickens’ senses, which can be mentally enriching and provide a change in their daily routine.
Varieties of Mint: Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Use: Grow around your chickens’ areas
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Feeding oregano to chickens can offer several benefits due to its antimicrobial and health-promoting properties. Oregano contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which have been found to support chicken health in various ways such as guarding against common poultry diseases such as salmonella and avian flu.
Benefits:
- Antibacterial Effects – Oregano is known to have antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties.
- Antioxidant Effects – Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which can protect chickens from oxidative stress and maintain their overall health.
- Gut Health – It can enhance gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens, potentially improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Improved Immunity – Oregano is known for its immune-boosting properties, helping chickens to better defend against infections and diseases.
- Nutrient-Rich – Oregano is rich in vitamins, calcium and antioxidants.
- Reduced Stress – The aroma of oregano can have a calming effect on chickens, reducing stress levels in the coop.
- Respiratory Benefits –
Varieties: Common (Origanum vulgare), Greek (O.vulgare ‘hirtum’), Italian/Hardy Marjoram (O. majoricum), Wild Za’atar (O.syriacum), Golden (O.vulgare ‘Aureum’)
Use: Add fresh or dried leaves to food or in your chickens bedding/substrate.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Rich in vitamins and minerals, parsley can be a nutritious addition to their diet when offered fresh. It’s also been known to help aid in blood vessel development.
Benefits:
- Appetite Stimulation – The pleasant aroma and taste of parsley can stimulate chickens’ appetites, encouraging them to eat well.
- Digestive Aid – Parsley contains compounds that can aid in digestion, potentially supporting healthy digestive processes in chickens.
- Nutrient Rich – Parsley is rich in essential vitamins including vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, which can contribute to the overall health and well-being of chickens. It also contains calcium, magnesium, selenium, iron, and zinc.
- Bonus: Caterpillar Attractor – Black Swallowtail Caterpillars are often drawn to parsley plants. You can remove the stems containing caterpillars and throw them to your chickens for both a plant and protein treat.
Varieties: French/Curly Leaf, Italian/Flat Leaf, Hamburg.
Use: Best to add fresh parsley leaves to your chickens food or plant around chicken areas.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Feeding rosemary to chickens can offer various benefits, thanks to its aromatic and nutritional properties and is also known to help aid in respiratory health. You can add fresh or dried rosemary to your chickens feed and coop, or you can grow the plant around your chickens pen.
Benefits:
- Antioxidant Effects – Rosemary is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect chickens from oxidative stress and maintain their overall health.
- Aromatic Environment – Rosemary’s scent can enhance the overall aroma in the coop, making it a more pleasant and calming environment.
- Insect Repellent – Rosemary’s fragrance has mild insect-repelling properties.
- Respiratory Benefits – Some poultry keepers believe that the scent of rosemary may help support healthy respiratory function in chickens.
Varieties: Arp, Foresteri, Red Flowering, Roman Beauty, Salem.
Use: Add fresh or dried to feed or substrate, grow around the coop, or hang sprigs around your chickens areas.
Sage Salvia officinalis)
Sage is a great herb to grow in your garden for your own meals as well as your chickens. It has antioxidant properties which can help prevent certain illnesses. Add fresh or dried leaves to your chickens feed or bedding.
Benefits:
- Antioxidant Effects – Sage contains antioxidants that can help protect chickens from oxidative stress, supporting their overall health.
- Aromatic Environment – Sage has a distinct and pleasant aroma that can enhance the overall scent in the coop, creating a more calming and pleasant environment.
- Respiratory Benefits – Some poultry keepers believe that the scent of sage may help support healthy respiratory function in chickens.
Varieties: Garden/Common, Pineapple, White, Blue, Black, Mexican Bush
Use:
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme has antimicrobial properties and can be added to their feed or used as a natural disinfectant in the coop.
Benefits:
- Antimicrobial Properties – Thyme contains compounds like thymol, known for their antimicrobial properties, which can potentially support chicken health and immune function.
- Aromatic Environment – The scent of thyme can enhance the overall aroma in the coop, making it a more pleasant and calming environment.
- Digestive Aid – Thyme may have mild digestive properties that can aid in healthy digestion for chickens.
- Insect Repellent –
Varieties: Common (Thymus vulgaris), Lemon/Citrus (Thymus citriodorus), Wild (Thymus serpillum)
Use:
