Backyard chickens are so great, aren’t they? But while they live outside, dig holes and poop all over everything, they still need us to help them have a quality life. (And hey, if your backyard flock is providing food for your family, it all comes back to benefit you anyway, right?) So why not look into low-risk, cheap and easy ways to improve their overall health? Read on for a quick article – including the list, of course! – of herbs for your chickens.

I am not a vet. Don’t take anything I say as medical advice.

Thoughts About Adding Herbs For Chickens

  • I normally add these herbs in with the chicken feed but you can also add it in their nesting boxes or in their dust bath.
  • Try adding one new herb at a time, so that you can note changes or improvements with your flock. (I recommend documenting everything in your Chicken Tender’s Journal.)
  • You can also give breaks where your chickens don’t get any herbs at all. You don’t HAVE to do any of these things!
  • Everything in balance – while I don’t specifically measure out each herb that I use, I’m mindful that too much can harm the chickens instead of helping them, or affect the taste of the hens’ eggs, etc.
  • You can use fresh, dried, powder, etc. when it comes to which form of herbs for your chickens. I prefer fresh leaves or crushed/powdered from the grocery store. Whatever works!
  • Can also grow your own! Check out my All Things Green playlist on Youtube for all kinds of ideas on how to propagate plants for free, etc.

Oregano

  • Nutrient absorption
  • Cleanliness of the eggs when laid
  • People also swear by oregano oil to help prevent respiratory illness but I haven’t tried this consistently.

Basil

  • Respiratory benefits
  • Yolk richness

Cayenne/Red Pepper/Chili Powder

  • Kills internal parasites
  • Repels mice, rats, squirrels, etc.
  • Chickens can’t taste capsaicin

Cinnamon

  • Antimicrobial
  • Antiinflammatory
  • Antioxidant

Garlic

  • Kills bacteria and parasites
  • Boosts immune system

Dill

  • Respiratory benefits
  • Antioxidant

Thoughts

  • Everything in balance – not all at once
  • Give “breaks” without the herbs if you want
  • Can use fresh, dried, powder, etc.