When it comes to raising chickens, providing them with a healthy and balanced diet is crucial to ensure their overall well-being and egg production. Adding herbs to their diet can provide them with important vitamins and minerals while also offering various health benefits. In this article, we will discuss the 13 best herbs to feed your chickens and how they can benefit your flock.
1. Parsley
Parsley is an excellent herb to feed your chickens as it is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which are essential for their overall health and egg production. It also contains calcium and iron, which can help strengthen their bones and improve their blood circulation. You can offer parsley to your chickens fresh or dried, and it’s best to give it to them in moderation.
2. Dill
Dill is another herb that chickens love and is rich in vitamins A and C. It also contains calcium, iron, and manganese, which are essential for their health. Dill is also known to have antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent infections in your flock. You can add dill to their diet by mixing it with their feed or offering it as a treat.
3. Oregano
Oregano is a natural antibiotic and antifungal herb that can help boost your chickens’ immune system and prevent diseases. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. You can offer oregano to your chickens fresh or dried, or you can add it to their feed or water.
4. Basil
Basil is another herb that can provide numerous health benefits to your chickens. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. It also contains antioxidants, which can help reduce stress and inflammation in your flock. You can offer basil to your chickens fresh or dried, or you can add it to their feed.
5. Thyme
Thyme is an excellent herb to feed your chickens, especially during the winter months when respiratory illnesses are common. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and manganese. Thyme also has antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent infections in your flock. You can offer thyme to your chickens fresh or dried, or you can add it to their feed.
6. Echinacea
Echinacea is an immune-boosting herb that can help prevent diseases and infections in your flock. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. You can offer echinacea to your chickens fresh or dried, or you can add it to their feed or water.
7. Garlic
Garlic is an excellent herb to feed your chickens as it has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent diseases and infections. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. Garlic can also help improve digestion in your flock. You can offer garlic to your chickens fresh or dried, or you can add it to their feed.
8. Ginger
Ginger is another herb that can provide numerous health benefits to your chickens. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. Ginger can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health in your flock. You can offer ginger to your chickens fresh or dried, or you can add it to their feed.
9. Lavender
Lavender is a calming herb that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation in your flock. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. You can offer lavender to your chickens fresh or dried, or you can add it to their coop or nesting boxes.
10. Chamomile
Chamomile is another
herb that can provide calming effects to your chickens. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. Chamomile can help reduce stress, promote healthy sleep, and improve digestion in your flock. You can offer chamomile to your chickens fresh or dried, or you can add it to their feed or water.
11. Mint
Mint is an excellent herb to feed your chickens as it can help improve their digestion and reduce inflammation in their body. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. You can offer mint to your chickens fresh or dried, or you can add it to their feed or water.
12. Cilantro/Coriander
Cilantro or coriander is an herb that can help improve your chickens’ digestion and reduce inflammation in their body. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. Cilantro can also help detoxify your chickens’ liver and kidneys. You can offer cilantro/coriander to your chickens fresh or dried, or you can add it to their feed.
13. Sage
Sage is an herb that can help improve your chickens’ respiratory health and prevent infections in their body. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. Sage can also help improve digestion and promote healthy skin and feathers in your flock. You can offer sage to your chickens fresh or dried, or you can add it to their feed or water.
| Herb | Vitamins and Minerals | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Parsley | Vitamins A, C, and K; Calcium and Iron | Overall health and egg production |
| Dill | Vitamins A and C; Calcium, Iron, and Manganese | Antimicrobial properties, overall health, and digestion |
| Oregano | Vitamins A, C, and K; Calcium and Iron | Immune-boosting and disease prevention |
| Basil | Vitamins A and C; Calcium and Iron | Antioxidants, stress and inflammation reduction, and overall health |
| Thyme | Vitamins A and C; Iron and Manganese | Respiratory illness prevention, antimicrobial properties, and overall health |
| Echinacea | Vitamins A and C; Calcium and Iron | Immune-boosting and disease prevention |
| Garlic | Vitamins A and C; Calcium and Iron | Antimicrobial properties, digestion improvement, and overall health |
| Ginger | Vitamins A and C; Calcium and Iron | Digestion improvement, inflammation reduction, and overall health |
| Lavender | Vitamins A and C; Calcium and Iron | Stress reduction and relaxation |
| Chamomile | Vitamins A and C; Calcium and Iron | Stress reduction, healthy sleep, and digestion improvement |
| Mint | Vitamins A and C; Calcium and Iron | Digestion improvement and inflammation reduction |
| Cilantro/Coriander | Vitamins A and C; Calcium and Iron | Digestion improvement, inflammation reduction, and liver and kidney detoxification |
In conclusion, feeding your chickens with herbs can provide them with essential vitamins and minerals while also offering numerous health benefits.
Remember to introduce herbs to your flock’s diet gradually and in moderation to avoid any adverse effects. By incorporating these 13 best herbs into your chickens’ diet, you can promote their overall well-being and ensure they produce high-quality eggs.
Shannon Stansberry has been engaged in the business of raising chickens for more than 12 years. In 2016, she accomplished the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. At present, she tends to more than 80 chickens on her 4-hectare farm. Shannon regularly shares her insights and experience on how to raise healthy and contented chickens on the platform Typesofchickens.com
