Herbs For Healthy Chickens

Dec 12, 2016
2 min read

Herbs For Healthy Chickens:

Raw Garlic: This is great for chickens year around. This can also be mashed into the chickens water. It is antibacterial, antiviral and is used to prevent many infections.

Oregano: Boosts Immune System

Nettle: Rich in calcium, protein, manganese, phosphorus and potassium

Alfalfa: Rich in protein, amino acids, minerals and chlorophyll. You can add this to their water, by making it into a tea. It helps keep hens healthy for breeding them and producing eggs.

Fennel: Attracts butterflies and helpful insects. Great foliage and good for chickens to eat for good health.

Sage: Boosts immune system and lowers pathogens in the body. Great for general good health.

Lamb's Quarters: Rich in protein, calcium, vitamin A and C, B-Complex and iron. This is a great herb for the chicken's immune system.

Lavender: Antimicrobial, repels flies and other insects.

Dandelion: Rich in protein, vitamins A,C, K, D, B-complex, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and other minerals. It is a complete food for building the immune system. This is great for young chicks and can also be made into a tea for the chickens.

Nasturtium: Natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties. Can be used as a natural de-wormer.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix with their water to help with digestion.

Herbs for the Chickens Nest:

In the wild, many birds use medicinal herbs to line their nests. Herbs hold the aromatic volaticle oils which have anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic properties. We can imitate this process shown to us in nature by applying a few handfuls of fresh herbs periodically. Doing this can keep the parasites out of the nesting areas.

Peppermint (Repels insects and promotes laying)

Spearmint (Repels insects and promotes laying)

Marigold (Insect repellent, makes yolks more orange)

Catmint (Insect repellent for lice, and ticks on chickens) This can make a beautiful border in a garden area with its blue flowers.

Catnip

Oregano (promotes laying eggs)

Bergamot

Lavender (insecticide, great to plant around the chicken coop and put in nesting box)

Rosemary (Repels insects)

Feverfew (Insect repellent...dry the flowers)

Nasturtium (Insect repellent)

Sage

Basil

Thyme

Fennel

Wormwood (Insect repellent, plant next to chicken coop to control parasites)

Stress While Brooding:

Often chicken's will be stressed while brooding; lavender and peppermint will help relieve their stress. Lavender can also help them feel calm and secure.

Healing Salve:

Comfrey can be brewed into a tea and then mixed with coconut oil and bees wax to form a salve and applied to wounds as needed for chickens.

AmbEric Family Farm body butter works great for the wounds of chickens as well if you would like something already prepared.

Sources:

http://backyard-chickens.thenaturallivingsite.com/tag/herbs-for-chickens/

http://www.dummies.com/home-garden/hobby-farming/raising-chickens/handy-herbs-tobenefit-your-chicken-garden/