Herbs and Their Uses for Your Chickens' Health

By Vicki –

(Photo courtesy of S. Strantz)

Fresh or dried herbs in your nesting boxes not only work as insecticides, but also have anti-bacterial properties, work as rodent control and stress relievers. They will help a laying hen feel safe and relaxed while she is sitting, calm a broody hen, and repel rodents, flies and other parasites. Plus they look so pretty! Sprinkled over feed, certain herbs can act as natural wormers, anti-parasitics, and laying stimulants.  

(Photo courtesy of S. Strantz)

I also want to add that all citrus peels… lemons, oranges… etc… act as an insecticide.

Here is a basic listing of herbs and their uses for chickens:

Basil	Used for mucus membrane health and has antibacterial properties
Catnip	Repels insects and used as a sedative/relaxant
Cilantro	Helps keep fungus at bay, antioxidant properties, bone health, high in Vitamin A for eye health and Vitamin K for blood clotting
Dill	Respiratory health, antioxidant properties, sedative/relaxant
Fennel	Enhances reproductive health (egg laying)
Garlic	Enhances reproductive health (egg laying) / helps control parasites
Lavender	Smells wonderful, lowers stress, circulatory health, , insect repellant
Lemon Balm	Smells nice in the coop, lowers stress, antibacterial, repels rodents
Marigold	Enhances reproductive health (egg laying)
Marjoram	Enhances reproductive health (egg laying)
Mint	Used in nest/coop -(all kinds) - insecticide and rodent repellent
Nasturtium	Enhances reproductive health (egg laying), antiseptic, antibiotic, insecticide, de-wormer
Oregano	Contains antibiotic properties which may help prevent avian flu, blackhead, coccidia, e-coli, infectious bronchitis and salmonella
Parsley	Promotes circulatory system development, enhances reproductive health (egg laying), rich in vitamins
Peppermint	helps control parasites, insect repellant,
Pineapple Sage	Promotes nervous system health, smells wonderful
Rose Petals	Highly aromatic, high in Vitamin C
Rosemary	Pain relief, respiratory health, insect repellant
Sage	Antioxidant, helps control parasites,
Spearmint	Antiseptic, insecticide, stimulates nervous system, circulatory and brain functions
Tarragon	Antioxidant properties
Thyme	Promotes respiratory health,  antioxidant, has antibacterial properties,  helps control parasites

  - Vicki

For more on herbs, check out these two articles at  

Fresh Eggs Daily:

Benefits of Herbs
Nesting Box Herbs - Chicken Aromatherapy