As an urban gardener, I grow quite a few herbs in my garden.  One of the challenges is finding enough ways to use them.  They’re so easy to grow that there is usually an abundant supply.  For the past couple of years I have  had what I refer to as “The Oregano Plant That Ate Texas” in one of my beds.  It hasn’t died over the winter and it has just grown and grown and grown.  I have harvested, dried and packaged SO. MUCH. OREGANO.  I have given it as gifts to whoever would take some.

I also grow herbs that I don’t use on a routine basis like sage, parsley, marjoram and others.  They’re great plants.  They’re hearty, they’re beautiful, and when they flower the bees LOVE them.

So, imagine my delight when I remembered that herbs can be a part of keeping my little flock healthy as well!  I don’t know what made me think of it, but I Googled it while out at the pasture last night. 

So this morning before I went to let the girls out I went out to the garden and chopped off some treats for them.  

When I got to the coop, I threw them in and expected the girls to go bonkers.  They did not as you can see here:

Then I noticed that the information I had read said to chop up the herbs so that they could be more easily eaten.  So, I did.

THEN they went bonkers and started fighting each other for the herbs.

So, I think herbs are going to play a big role in my chicken keeping.  I found this article about using herbs with urban chickens very helpful.  I’ve compiled the information in a different format here by use rather than by herb.

I hope it is helpful to you.

Herbs For Use With Backyard Chickens

Feed: (Just chop up fresh herbs and give them to the girls either mixed in with their feed, or just put it on the ground and let them peck at it.)

Bee Balm: Antiseptic, antibacterial, respiratory health, antidiarrheal, digestive tract health
Cilantro: General health, bones
Comfrey: Digestion, anti-inflammatory, bone and artery growth, b12, high in protein
Dandelion: Antioxidants, calcium, orange yolk
Garlic: Immunity, wormer, laying stimulant, anti-fungal, circulatory system
Marjoram – Laying Stimulant, high in protein
Oregano: Antiparasitic, antifungal, antibiotic.
Basil: Antibacterial, mucous membrane health, insecticide, orange egg yolks, high protein
Parsley: Laying stimulant, blood vessel development, circulation, feather growth, high protein
Feed: Antioxidant, antiparasitic, general health, insecticide, calming
Spearmint: Antiseptic, insecticide, stimulates nerves, brain and blood functions, eases fatigue
Tarragon: General health, antioxidant
Thyme: Antibiotic, respiratory health, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiparasitic, insect repellent.

Water: (Make a tea, or in the case of garlic crush and add it to the water.  Be sure to change out the water after a day or so to keep it fresh.)

Basil: Antibacterial, mucous membrane health, insecticide, orange egg yolks, high protein
Garlic: Immunity, wormer, laying stimulant, anti-fungal, circulatory system
Dandelion: Antioxidants, calcium, orange yolk
Oregano: Antiparasitic, antifungal, antibiotic.
Parsley: Laying stimulant, blood vessel development, circulation, feather growth, high protein

Nesting Boxes: (Put fresh or dried herbs along with the bedding in the nesting boxes.)
Lemongrass: Insecticide
Marjoram – Laying Stimulant, high in protein
Mint: Rodent and insect repellant, disease prevention, parasite control, feather growth.
Parsley: Laying stimulant, blood vessel development, circulation, feather growth, high protein

Dust Bath: (Dry these herbs and add them into the dust bath.)
Fennel: disease prevention, parasite control, high protein
Ginger: Disease prevention, parasite control, stress reducer, appetite stimulant, antioxident.
Lavender: Stress reliever, blood circulation, highly aromatic insecticide

Coop Floor: (Add dried or fresh to the coop floor with the bedding.)
Lavender: Stress reliever, blood circulation, highly aromatic insecticide
Mint: Rodent and insect repellant, disease prevention, parasite control, feather growth.
Oregano: Antiparasitic, antifungal, antibiotic.

Run: (Grow these plants right outside the run.)
Dill: Disease prevention, parasite control, respiratory health, high protein, insecticides.
Lemongrass: Insecticide
Mint: Rodent and insect repellant, disease prevention, parasite control, feather growth.
Rosemary: Pain relief, respiratory health, insecticide, calming
Basil: Antibacterial, mucous membrane health, insecticide, orange egg yolks, high protein

Have you used herbs with your chickens?  I’d love to hear about it and get your tips.