Herbs for Chickens

Healthy Feed

February 26, 2019Backyard Poultry ContributorFeed & Health, Members Only

Reading Time: 3 minutes

By Ann Accetta-Scott

Spring brings warmer weather and often the advent of broody hens wanting to hatch a clutch of eggs. I recommend offering some herbs for chickens specially chosen to help get them laying again after their winter break and also assist a broody hen once she starts sitting. Fresh or dried, herbs for chickens have many benefits. I add dried herbs to my layer feed year-round and also offer my chickens fresh herbs free-choice when in season.

Laying herbs for chickens

Early in the spring, laying stimulants can help kickstart egg production again. Several herbs are purported to encourage laying and support the reproductive system, I like to mix them dried into my flock’s daily layer feed. They include:

fennel
garlic
marigold
marjoram
nasturtium
parsley
red clover
red raspberry leaves

Aromatherapy

Chickens’ sense of smell isn’t that well developed, but I certainly appreciate a scented nest. Aromatic herbs will make your coop smell good and also give your sitting hen something to munch on while she sits. Try adding:

fresh lemon balm
pineapple sage
rose petals
lemon thyme
rosemary

Calming herbs for chickens

Although you can’t force a hen to go broody, you can encourage her by providing her a secluded place to hatch eggs. A calm hen is more likely to stick it out for the entire incubation period needed for the eggs to hatch. Some herbs with calming properties added to the nesting box, fresh or dried, can help reinforce to your chickens that they are in a good, safe place to lay their eggs and raise chicks—and also help relax your hens as they lay their eggs or incubate them. Soothing herbs for chickens include:

basil
bee balm
chamomile
dill
lavender

Insect repelling herbs for chickens

The warm, dark space under a broody hen is a prime breeding ground for all kinds of bugs. Adding some insect-repelling herbs to the nesting boxes can help. My favorites include:

fresh catnip
marigolds
mint
rosemary

Circulation

Lastly, a sitting hen doesn’t get as much exercise as she would otherwise, so keeping her circulation going is extremely beneficial. Providing your broody hen fresh water and a dish of layer feed close by that includes these herbs will keep her blood flowing: