This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure here.
Looking for natural ways to improve your chickens’ health and wellbeing? Incorporating herbs in your chicken’s coop is an easy and effective way to boost their immune systems, enhance egg production, and keep pests at bay. This guide shows you the best herbs for chickens, that will support your flock in more ways than you might expect!
YayImagesThe Benefits of Herbs for Chickens
Herbs do wonders for chickens, offering everything from improving overall health to keeping pests at bay. Some herbs help strengthen the immune system, making chickens more resistant to illness, while others support digestion and respiratory health. Many herbs have calming effects, reducing stress and aggression within the flock.
On top of the health benefits, certain herbs can keep your coop smelling fresh, deter mites and lice, and even enhance egg nutrition. By strategically planting herbs around your chicken run or adding them to nesting boxes, feed, and dust baths, you can take full advantage of their natural perks.
YayImagesCalming & Stress-Reducing Herbs
A calm flock is a happy flock. Chickens that are relaxed are less likely to become aggressive or stressed, which can lead to problems like feather picking or illness.
These calming herbs help soothe nervous chickens, making them especially helpful during environmental changes, predator scares, or when introducing new members to the flock. Using calming herbs in nesting boxes, dust baths, or water can help create a peaceful atmosphere.
Lavender
Lavender is famous for its soothing scent, which can help reduce anxiety and stress in chickens. Placing it in nesting boxes creates a calming environment for hens, promoting peaceful egg laying. Lavender also has antibacterial and insect-repelling qualities, helping to maintain a cleaner coop.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a natural sedative that helps calm anxious chickens, making it particularly useful when moving them or introducing new members to the flock. It’s also great for digestion, reducing bloating and gas. Sprinkling dried chamomile in nesting boxes or offering chamomile tea can keep your chickens relaxed and comfortable.
Lemon Balm
With its mild citrus scent, lemon balm naturally reduces stress and promotes relaxation in chickens. It’s also antiviral, boosting the immune system, so it’s a great herb to keep in your flock’s routine year-round. Plant it around the chicken run, and your birds can help themselves whenever they need a little calm.
Catnip
Catnip isn’t just for cats! It has mild sedative effects on chickens too, helping to reduce aggression and stress. You can scatter it in the coop or mix it into dust baths to create a more tranquil space. Plus, catnip helps repel mosquitoes and mites, offering both pest control and health benefits.
YayImagesImmune-Boosting & Respiratory Health Herbs
A strong immune system helps chickens fight off illness and recover more quickly. These herbs contain antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that support your flock’s health, particularly when it comes to respiratory function. Regularly offering these herbs can help prevent common poultry ailments, like respiratory infections or a weakened immune system.
Oregano
Oregano is one of the most powerful immune-boosting herbs for chickens, often used as a natural antibiotic alternative. It contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which help combat bacterial infections and promote gut health. Fresh or dried oregano can be mixed into feed or brewed into a tea to strengthen your flock’s defenses.
Thyme
Thyme supports respiratory health by helping to clear mucus and reduce inflammation in the airways. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it great for preventing respiratory infections like bronchitis. Sprinkle thyme around the coop or add it to water to help your chickens breathe easy all year.
Rosemary
Rosemary is great for purifying the air in the coop while promoting healthy respiratory function. It also has antimicrobial properties to prevent bacterial infections and keep the nesting area fresh. Let your chickens forage on fresh rosemary or hang sprigs in the coop for a natural health boost.
Sage
Sage is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that help boost the immune system. It supports overall health, digestion, and liver function. Offering small amounts of fresh or dried sage regularly can enhance your flock’s resistance to disease.
Echinacea
Echinacea is well-known for boosting the immune system and reducing the severity of infections. It helps chickens recover faster from respiratory issues by increasing white blood cell production. Add echinacea to water or mix it into feed for consistent immune support.
YayImagesDigestive Support & Egg Production Herbs
A healthy digestive system is crucial for nutrient absorption, leading to stronger eggshells and better overall health. These herbs support digestion, reduce bloating, and stimulate egg production by providing key vitamins and minerals. Incorporating them regularly into your chickens’ diet will boost their reproductive health and laying capabilities.
Parsley
Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, parsley is great for strong eggshell formation and reproductive health. It also contains calcium and iron, supporting overall vitality in laying hens. Offer fresh parsley as a treat or mix dried parsley into feed for consistent egg production.
Dill
Dill is a fantastic digestive aid that helps reduce bloating and gas. It also contains antibacterial compounds that support intestinal health and prevent digestive issues. Growing dill near the chicken run gives your chickens easy access to it for natural digestive support.
Fennel
Fennel is known for its ability to encourage egg production by promoting reproductive health. It also aids digestion by reducing intestinal discomfort. Offering fresh fennel fronds or seeds can naturally boost egg laying in your flock.
Dandelions
Dandelions are packed with calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and K, all of which support liver health, digestion, and strong eggshells. Letting chickens forage for dandelions in the yard provides them with essential nutrients and natural enrichment.
Comfrey
Comfrey is high in protein and helps promote healthy feather growth, making it especially beneficial during molting. It also has natural healing properties for wound recovery and overall vitality. Offer fresh comfrey leaves or dry them for winter use to support your flock year-round.
YayImagesPest-Repelling & Coop-Freshening Herbs
A clean and pest-free coop is key to keeping your chickens happy and healthy. These herbs naturally repel insects, mites, and lice while also improving air quality and reducing odors. Add them to nesting boxes, dust baths, and bedding to keep pests away.
Mint
Mint’s strong scent repels flies, mosquitoes, and other pests that bother chickens. It also has cooling properties that help chickens regulate their body temperature in hot weather. Hang fresh mint around the coop or add dried mint to bedding to create a more comfortable living space.
Calendula
Calendula has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help prevent infections and promote skin health. It also enhances the color of egg yolks when added to their diet. Sprinkling dried calendula petals in the nesting area can brighten the coop while offering health benefits.
Beebalm
Beebalm not only attracts pollinators but also acts as a natural insect repellent in the chicken run. Its antibacterial properties support respiratory health and reduce the spread of infections. Growing beebalm near the coop allows chickens to forage on it for both medicinal and nutritional benefits.
Basil
Basil is another herb that chickens enjoy foraging, and it can help keep the coop smelling fresh while repelling mosquitoes and flies. It also has antibacterial properties, which can support digestive and respiratory health.
YayImagesHerbs For Foraging, Enrichment & General Wellness
In addition to their health benefits, many herbs can be planted around the chicken run to provide enrichment and encourage natural foraging behaviors. These herbs not only offer health benefits but also provide your chickens with mental stimulation and a more enjoyable environment.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a fantastic herb for chickens to forage. It’s rich in vitamins and has antimicrobial properties that support general wellness. You can plant cilantro around the run or offer it fresh as a treat to keep your chickens healthy and entertained.
Marjoram
Marjoram offers a mild, sweet flavor that chickens love, and it can be used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It supports digestive health, reduces bloating, and helps calm anxious chickens. Marjoram is perfect for adding to their diet and encouraging natural foraging.
Chickweed
Chickweed is an easy-to-grow herb that chickens adore. It’s rich in nutrients like vitamin C and beta-carotene, and it helps promote overall health. Chickweed can be planted in the chicken run, giving your birds access to fresh greens that support their general wellness and enrich their environment.
YayImagesHow to Use Herbs for Chickens
There are plenty of ways to incorporate herbs into your chickens’ daily routine, from their diet to their environment. Fresh and dried herbs can be used to support health, encourage relaxation, and naturally repel pests. Here are some ideas:
In the Nesting Boxes
Add dried herbs like lavender, chamomile, and calendula to nesting boxes to create a soothing, comfortable space for laying hens. Mint and rosemary can help keep mites and lice away. Refresh the herbs regularly to keep the nesting area clean and fragrant.
Check out these chicken coop herbs on Amazon that are perfect for nesting boxes!
Mixed into Their Feed
Add chopped fresh herbs or dried crumbles like oregano, thyme, and echinacea to your chickens’ feed. This will strengthen immunity, improve digestion, and boost overall health. Rotate different herbs to provide variety and a range of benefits.
Herbal Water & Tea
Infuse water with herbs like oregano, sage, or chamomile to provide a natural health boost. Herbal teas can help with immune support, digestion, and relaxation, especially during stressful times. Steep the herbs in hot water, let it cool, and offer it to your flock as a soothing treat.
Fresh Herbs in the Chicken Run
Plant herbs like lemon balm, basil, and parsley around the chicken run. Not only will the chickens enjoy foraging, but many of these herbs will also help repel pests, reducing the need for artificial chemicals.
Herbal Dust Baths
Dust baths are essential for keeping feathers clean and free from parasites. Adding dried herbs like mint, thyme, and catnip to the bath mix will repel mites and lice while providing antifungal and antibacterial benefits.
Check out this dust bath on Amazon that contains herbs and essential oils!
YayImagesConclusion
Incorporating herbs into your chickens’ care routine is an easy and natural way to support their health and happiness. Whether you’re using them for pest control, immune support, relaxation, or digestive aid, herbs offer a variety of benefits that can help your flock thrive.
By experimenting with different herbs and methods, you’ll create a balanced, holistic approach to chicken care that enhances your birds’ quality of life. With a little time and effort, you’ll see the positive impact these herbs can have on your flock’s well-being!
Our favorite chicken coops on Amazon:
- Classic Large Chicken Coop for Up to 15 Chickens ($1,899.99)
- Formex Large Chicken Coop ($799.99)
- Large Chicken Coop with Folding Design ($319.99)
You may also like:
- 25 Best Plants To Grow In A Chicken Run
- 15 Safe Flowers For Chickens That Your Flock Will Love
- 25 Best Plants To Grow In A Quail Coop
- 25 Best Pond Plants To Keep Your Ducks Happy
Save it for later!
