Herbs for your Flock
- Basil – antibacterial, mucous membrane health
- Garlic – laying stimulant, anti-fungal, benefits circulation system. It repels fleas, ticks and other parasites, controls odor, and is a natural wormer, has overall health benefits, increases feed conversion, supports respiratory health and immune system
- Lavender – stress reliever, increases blood circulation, highly aromatic, insecticide
- Marigolds – stress reliever, increases blood circulation, highly aromatic, insecticide
- Marjoram – laying stimulant, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, improves blood circulation, detoxifier
- Mint – insecticide and rodent repellent, antioxidant, aids in respiratory health, digestive aid, lowers body temperature naturally, helps in feather growth.
- Nasturtium – laying stimulant, antiseptic, antibiotic, insecticide, wormer
- Oregano – combats coccidia, salmonella, infectious bronchitis, avian flu, blackhead and e-Coli, strengthens immune system, is anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, and an antibiotic
- Parsley – high in vitamins, aids in blood vessel development, laying stimulant
- Cilantro is an anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, it builds strong bones, is high in Vitamin A and K
- Sage – antioxidant, antiparasitic, general health promoter, thought to combat Salmonella
- Dill is an anti-oxidant, is calming, prevents disease, controls
parasites, improves respiratory health, is high in protein, repels harmful
insects and is an anti-diarrheal
- Rosemary repels insects, is a pain reliever, improves respiratory health, and is calming
- Dried Wormwood keeps lice and mites away.
- Dried Yarrow is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, clears sinuses and respiratory systems, is a stress reliever, heals wounds, and serves as an insecticide
- Anise is good disease
and parasite preventions
- Fennel is good disease and parasite preventions
- Ginger is good disease and parasite preventions
- Basil and Lemon Balm are insecticides, create orange egg yolks, and are high in protein
- Parsley is a laying stimulant, helps blood vessel development and
circulation, encourages feather growth, and is high in protein.
- Bee Balm, Dill, Oregano and
Thyme help respiratory health
- Fennel, Marjoram,
Nasturtium, and Parsley are
egg laying stimulants
- Cilantro, Sage,
Spearmint, and Tarragon are
great for general health
- Alfalfa, Basil and Dandelion greens create orange egg yolks. Comfrey aids
digestion, is an anti-inflammatory, supports bone and artery growth, has
vitamin B12, and is high in protein
- During their molt use anise, dill, fennel, garlic, mint, and/or parsley to encourage
feather regrowth.
- Dandelion is an antioxidant and an excellent source of calcium
- Comfrey aids digestion, is an anti-inflammatory, supports bone and artery growth, contains vitamin B12, and is high in protein
- Pineapple Sage aid in nervous system development and is highly aromatic.
- Nettles, Parsley, Sage, and Spearmint improve overall health
- Rosemary, Dill, Parsley and Mint assist feather growth.
- Basil, Bee Balm, Cinnamon, Clover, Dill, Echinacea, Rosemary, Thyme, and Yarroware great for respiratory health
- Basil, Chervil, Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Marjoram, Parsley, Spearmintand Tarragon are herbs with high protein
You probably will want to start wtih herbs that are pretty easy to grow. Mint would probably be a great start as it is one of the easiest to grow. Another good idea is to maybe start with some that you may also use in cooking. Herbs like dill, basil, parsley, oregano are all good choices to start out with.
Rose bushes provide nice
shade, and the chickens love to eat the petals that have anti-oxidant
properties. Mint planted around the perimeter can help repel mice.
Any climbing vine will also provide shade and allow them to nibble on the
lower leaves and anything that falls,
such as peas, squash, cucumbers, grapes.
- Divide the herbs (Lavender and Mint) into two jars and crush them a bit with your fingers.
- Add white vinegar to each jar, completely covering the herbs and leaving 1/4” headroom in each jar.
- Set the jars to the side to age for a week or two. Shake every few days.
- When the mixture turns greenish brown, it’s ready to be strained into a spray bottle.
- Spray in the Coop as needed
Other Herbs you can use in the Chickens Housing:
- Bay Leaves
- Lemon Balm
- Lemon Grass
- Pineapple Sage
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Basil
- Bee Balm
- Catnip