Did you know that you can use herbs to keep chickens healthy? Many you can grow right in your own backyard. The birds think they are getting a special treat when you hang them in the coop, but you know they are actually acting as leafy green medicine.
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Chicken Math is For Real
Last year I told my husband that I wanted enough chickens to provide eggs for our family. Realistically that would be 3 or 4 hens. So of course we hatched 2 rounds of eggs in the spring and another this fall. Bringing our total up to 12 birds and mostly roosters. So when you see the jokes about chicken math, it’s a real thing. Once we get rid of the roosters, there will be more room for hens. So logically I’ll be going to the farm store this spring. And who knows, perhaps I could slip in a duck or perhaps a cow.
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Herbs to Keep Chickens Healthy
Many of us keep chickens in order to get better eggs than the grocery store can offer. In an effort to avoid chemicals, pesticides, and antibiotics chicken keepers turn to herbs to keep chickens healthy and happy. Herbs have long been used as medicine and have far fewer harmful side effects than the drugs of today. They do not change the taste of the eggs and the chickens are happy to eat them.
Herbs to Keep Chickens Healthy: Repel Pests
Mint
Most rodents and insects dislike the smell of mint, so it deters them from the chicken coop. You can plant it around the coop or hang it up fresh for them to peck at. Mint will also help keep the flock cool during the summer heat.
Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant herb, which will repel bugs and other pests. It can be put in the nesting boxes, hung up, or in the feed. The chickens will enjoy eating it, while the pests will pass on by.
Basil
Basil is also one of those smelly herbs that pests don’t care for. It can be dried for the coop and nesting boxes or hung up fresh for eating. Not only will it help keep pests away, but it can help with respiratory problems as well.
Herbs to Keep Chickens Healthy: Prevent Parasites
Oregano
Oregano is the powerhouse of herbs. It helps the immune system ward off whatever may get thrown its way. Salmonella, avian flu, coccidiosis, and respiratory infections can all be helped with a bit of sage in the feed.
Sage
Dried sage can be added to the daily chicken feed as a way to prevent coccidiosis and salmonella. Of course hanging it up fresh for them to peck at is also an option.
Garlic
Garlic is an antimicrobial, so it’s good for all things intestinal. A few cloves in the water or mixed into the feed should be more than enough.
Herbs to Keep Chickens Healthy: Stimulate Egg Production
Parsley
Parsley is very high in vitamins, which can help give the hens the boost they need to lay. Chickens can enjoy it fresh or dried.
Lavender
Just like it does for humans, lavender helps chickens calm down. You can add it dried into the nesting boxes or dust bath. Or hang it up fresh for them to peck at. This can help the hens feel calm enough to lay.
Fennel
Much like lavender fennel can have a calming effect on the birds, while also stimulating them to produce eggs. Putting some in the nesting boxes or feed is sure to get the ladies laying.
The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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