And their benefits!

Did you know that there are several plants and herbs that are totally safe and beneficial to your chicken’s health? By adding the following herbs in/around your chicken coop, or by including them in your chicken’s diet, you can reduce the probability of several health risks. I have placed several of these inside my coop, and plant to add more over time!

Sage:

Sage in high in Vitamin K, which aides in blood clotting. Sage also serves as a cleaning agent, pesticide, and antioxidant, which can help in the prevention of salmonella.

Oregano:

Oregano has several antibiotic factors, and is packed with several nutrients such as Vitamin K, manganese, iron, Vitamin E, tryptophan and calcium. Becasue of this, oregano helps fight e.coli, salmonella, coccidiosis, and avian flu! This herb is being studied as a broad-spectrum natural antibiotic on large poultry farms! You go oregano!

Lavender:

Lavendar is high in Vitamin A (useful for eye health), calcium (bone strength), and iron. Not only does it smell lovely and can act as an air freshener, it is known to be a natural insect repellant, and contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce stress.

Rosemary:

Benefits: Rosemary is high in manganese (useful in metobolic health). Not only does rosemary smell great, it is known to be a natural insecticide, has antioxidant properties, assists with pain/stress relief and can enhance respiratory health. Studies have shown that the carnosic and rosmarinic acids in rosemary have powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

Mint:

Mint contains trace elements of Vitamin A, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Mint is a great insecticide and also can keep mice away. Any of the mint varieties (including catmint, peppermint, and spearmint) can be fed to chickens, and also can have a calming effect.

Lemon Balm:

Lemon balm is high in flavonoids, which can have an antioxidant effect. Due to several chemical properties that attribute to scent, (one being citronellal) lemon balm is a natural mosquito repellant,can keep rodents away, and may relieve stress in flocks.

Thyme:

Thyme contains thymol and small amounts of other nutrients such as potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and magnesium.  Thyme is a natural insect repellant, has antibiotic properties, and also aides in respiratory health.

Basil:

Basil provides macronutrients, such as calcium and vitamin K, as well as a range of antioxidants, which aide in overall immune health.

Comfrey:

Comfrey is rich in vitamins A and B12 and can aid in a rich yellow color to yolks. Comfrey is high in protein and low in fiber, making it a great addition to your chicken’s diet.

These are just a few of the nutrient rich herbs you can add to your coop to aide in chicken health! Feed them dried or fresh to your chickens, add them to nesting boxes, or hang them around the coop to freshen the air!

Talk soon!

xx, Lanna

 “The birds are capable of…break[ing]… nutrients… down to their individual pieces and reassembl[ing] them into something that we enjoy eating. This is only possible if we provide them with all of the nutritional building blocks necessary for the job.”

-Justin Fowler
“Nutrition for the Backyard Flock”

Sources:

Brazier, Yvette. “Basil: Uses, Benefits and Nutrition.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 16 Dec. 2019, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266425.

Brennan, Dan. “Rosemary Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More.” WebMD, WebMD, 18 Sept. 2020, http://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-rosemary#1.

Brennan, Dan. “Thyme: Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More.” WebMD, WebMD, 19 Sept. 2020, http://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-thyme#2-4.

Glassman, Keri. “Oregano: An Herb Fit For Your Kitchen and Medicine Cabinet.” WebMD, WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/why-is-oregano-good-for-me#:~:text=Fresh%20oregano%20is%20a%20great,vitamin%20E%2C%20tryptophan%20and%20calcium.

Harrison, John. “Feeding Comfrey to Poultry and Other Livestock.” Allotment & Gardens, http://www.allotment-garden.org/comfrey/feeding-comfrey-poultry-livestock/#:~:text=High%20Protein%20%E2%80%93%20Low%20Fibre%20Comfrey&text=Comfrey%20being%20low%20in%20fibre,the%20expensive%20corn%2Dfed%20hens.

Meyers, Michelle. Lemon Balm: An Herb Society of America Guide . The Herb Society of America, 2007, http://www.herbsociety.org/file_download/inline/d7d790e9-c19e-4a40-93b0-8f4b45a644f1.

Nordqvist, Joseph. “Lavender: Health Benefits and Uses.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 4 Mar. 2019, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265922.

Raman, Ryan. “12 Health Benefits and Uses of Sage.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 14 Dec. 2018, http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sage.

Singh, Manpreet, et al. “Nutrition for the Backyard Flock.” University of Georgia Extension, 1 Apr. 2020, extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C954&title=Nutrition+for+the+Backyard+Flock#:~:text=Calcium%2C%20phosphorus%2C%20and%20salt%20are,eggshell%20formation%20in%20laying%20hens.

Ware, Megan. “Mint: Benefits, Nutrition, and Dietary Tips.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 4 Dec. 2019, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275944.