Chicken Nesting Herbs: Boost Flocks Health and Happiness

Most poultry farmers use various chicken nesting herbs on their flocks’ bedding.

But, How are nesting herbs beneficial for your flocks?
What are the popular chicken-nesting herbs?

In this definitive guide, you will learn all about nesting herbs, their benefits, a list of the best ones, mixing or recipe, and ways to add to the nesting box bedding.

What are Chicken Nesting Herbs for Chickens?

Chicken nesting herbs are a variety of plant-based materials added to poultry coops, nesting boxes, and run. Poultry raisers use it to improve their backyard chickens’ health and well-being. 

The best thing about chicken nesting herbs is that chickens rest on them, play on them, live healthily, and can eat them. Overall, it provides a comfortable and healthy nesting experience.

Not only do these herbs provide numerous health benefits for your flock, but they also create a more pleasant environment, helping to keep the chickens happy and content.

The Benefits of Using Herbs for Your Chickens

Incorporating herbs into your chicken nest and bedding can profoundly impact your flock’s overall health, well-being, and egg production. 

Some key benefits of using herbs for chickens include:

1. Improved immune system: Many herbs have natural antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal properties that can help to boost your chickens’ immune systems and keep them healthy. Backyard flocks require protection from various pathogens and parasites that can cause illness.
2. Reduced stress: Certain herbs like lavender and chamomile possess calming and relaxing properties that can effectively reduce stress levels and promote well-being among your chickens. Chickens can experience stress due to environmental changes, overcrowding, or the presence of predators. Incorporating these herbs into their environment can help alleviate stress and create a more peaceful atmosphere for the chickens.
3. Enhanced egg production: Some herbs, like mint, are believed to promote egg laying and improve overall egg quality. Adding these herbs to your chickens’ environment may increase the number of eggs your hens lay and ensure that the eggs are of the highest quality possible.
4. Natural pest control: Herbs possess insect-repelling properties, keeping pests such as mites, lice, and flies away from your chickens and their nesting boxes. These besting herbs contribute to a cleaner and more hygienic environment for your flock, significantly reducing the risk of diseases.

Role of Herbs in Chicken Health and Happiness

Herbs play a significant role in promoting the health and happiness of your chickens. By incorporating herbs, you can establish a soothing and enjoyable atmosphere, mitigating stress and fostering the holistic well-being of your chickens.

In addition, numerous herbs possess medicinal properties that can enhance your chickens’ immunity, decrease inflammation, and prevent parasites and other pests.

By incorporating a variety of herbs into your chicken care routine, you can help to create a healthier, happier flock that is more resistant to illness and stress.

You may need to invest more in chicken coop herbs, but they are one of the best natural ingredients to keep chickens naturally healthy. 

Last update on 2023-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

List of All Herbs Suitable for Chickens and Their Uses

Below are the list of few populary used chicken nesting herbs:

Lavender – Calms and relaxes; repels pests

Lavender is a popular herb for chickens due to its calming and relaxing properties. Its scent effectively decreases stress levels in your flock while keeping their environment clean and free from pests such as mites and flies.

Lemongrass – Repels pests

Lemongrass has a strong citrus scent known to repel insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. Adding lemongrass to your chickens’ nesting boxes or scattering it around their coop can help to keep these pests at bay and create a cleaner, more hygienic environment for your birds.

Calendula – Nutritious snack, turns yolks deep orange color; antibacterial

Calendula flowers are not only a beautiful addition to your garden, but they also have numerous benefits for your chickens. When fed to your flock, calendula can help to turn their egg yolks a deep, vibrant orange color.

Additionally, calendula has antibacterial properties that can help to keep your chickens healthy and ward off infection.

Basil – Antimicrobial; anti-inflammatory; reduce stress

Basil is another herb that offers numerous health benefits for your chickens. Your flock can benefit from this substance’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, improving their health and reducing stress levels.

Dandelion – Antioxidant; anti-inflammatory

Dandelion leaves and flowers are a nutritious snack for your chickens and can provide various health benefits. Including these herbs in your chickens’ diet can enhance their immune systems and promote good health due to their high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties.

Catnip – Calms and relaxes

Catnip is well-known for its calming and relaxing effects on cats, but it can also have a similar effect on chickens.

Adding catnip to your chickens’ nesting boxes or sprinkling it around their coop can help to create a more peaceful and stress-free environment for your flock.

Thyme – Antioxidant; antibacterial; antifungal

Thyme is another herb with numerous health benefits for chickens. The flock can benefit from its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, promoting their health and preventing disease.

Additionally, thyme can help to repel pests like mites and lice, keeping your chickens’ environment clean and hygienic.

Rosemary – Antiseptic; antibacterial

Using rosemary as a nesting herb can help maintain your chickens’ health and prevent infections due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It also has a strong, pleasant scent that can help to create a more enjoyable environment for your birds.

Dill – Reduce stress; antibacterial

Dill is another herb that can help to reduce stress levels among your flock, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation. Additionally, dill has antibacterial properties that can help to keep your chickens healthy and ward off disease.

Fennel – Repels pests; nutritious snack; anti-inflammatory

Fennel is a versatile herb that offers numerous benefits for your chickens. It can help to repel pests like mites and lice, keeping your birds’ environment clean and hygienic.

Additionally, fennel can be fed to your chickens as a nutritious snack, providing them with essential nutrients to support their overall health. Fennel also has anti-inflammatory properties that help keep your flock healthy and comfortable.

Nettle – Nutritious snack; anti-inflammatory

Feeding your chickens nettle can benefit their overall health as it is a nutritious snack that provides essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, nettle has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to keep your birds comfortable and reduce the risk of illness.

Sage: Improves digestion; repels pests.

Sage is a herb with numerous benefits for your chickens. It can help improve digestion and promote overall gut health, which is essential for maintaining a healthy, happy flock. Additionally, sage has pest-repelling properties that can help to keep your birds’ environment clean and hygienic.

Lemon balm – Calms and relaxes

Lemon balm is another calming herb that can help to create a more peaceful and stress-free environment for your chickens. Adding lemon balm to your birds’ nesting boxes or sprinkling it around their coop can help to promote relaxation and well-being among your flock.

Yarrow – Antibacterial; repels pests

Yarrow is an antibacterial herb that can help keep your chickens healthy and ward off infection. It also has pest-repelling properties that help keep your birds’ environment clean and free from bothersome insects.

Last update on 2023-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Chamomile – Calms and relaxes

Chamomile is a well-known calming herb that can help to create a more peaceful and stress-free environment for your chickens. Adding chamomile to your birds’ nesting boxes or sprinkling it around their coop can help to promote relaxation and well-being among your flock.

Feverfew – Repels pests

Feverfew is an herb with pest-repelling properties that can help to keep your chickens’ environment clean and hygienic. Adding Feverfew to your birds’ nesting boxes or scattering it around their coop can help to keep pests like mites, lice, and flies at bay.

Mint – Antiseptic; repels pests and promotes egg laying

Mint is a versatile herb that offers numerous benefits for your chickens. It has antiseptic properties that can help to keep your birds healthy, and it can also repel pests like mites and lice. Additionally, some chicken keepers believe that mint can help to promote egg laying and improve overall egg quality.

Chickweed – Nutritious snack

Chickweed, a highly nutritious herb, can benefit your chickens’ diet, supporting their overall health with essential vitamins and minerals. While not typically used directly in nesting boxes, incorporating chickweed into their diet can help provide the necessary nutrients for thriving chickens.

Oregano – Antibacterial; antimicrobial; anti-inflammatory

Oregano is another herb with numerous health benefits for your chickens. The properties of this substance include antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects that promote the health of your flock and protect them against disease. Additionally, oregano can help to improve your chickens’ overall immune system, making them more resistant to illness.

Last update on 2023-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Creating the Perfect Herb Mix Recipe for Your Chickens Nest

Creating the perfect herb mix for your chickens involves selecting a variety of herbs that offer different benefits and combining them in a way that is both appealing and beneficial for your birds. 

Here are the steps for mixing and making a recipe for chicken nesting herbs:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons dried sage
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried tarragon
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers (optional)
• 1 tablespoon dried mint leaves (optional)
• 1 tablespoon dried dill (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the dried herbs.
2. If using lavender flowers, mint leaves, or dill, add them to the bowl.
3. Stir or toss the herbs together until well-mixed.
4. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Store the chicken nesting herb mixture in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Usage:

• When preparing nesting material for chickens, sprinkle a generous amount of the herb mixture into the bedding or nesting boxes.
• The aromatic herbs will help repel pests, provide a pleasant scent, and may have calming effects on the chickens.

The History of Adding Herbs in Chicken’s Nesting Boxes

Using herbs in chicken nesting boxes traces back to the natural behavior of wild birds. Observations indicate that wild birds actively line their nests with fresh herbs and flowers, serving multiple purposes.

These herbs provide a pleasant aroma, repel insects, and offer health benefits to their offspring. Chickens, domesticated descendants of wild birds, can also benefit from this practice.

Chicken keepers have adapted the use of herbs in nesting boxes to promote a comfortable and healthy environment for their birds. 

Aromatic herbs and edible flowers provide aesthetic appeal and practical advantages such as antibacterial properties, natural rodent control, stress relief, and laying stimulants.

Over time, chicken keepers have experimented with various herbs and flowers to find the most effective and beneficial combinations. Some popular herbs in nesting boxes include oregano, thyme, parsley, lemon balm, chamomile, basil, yarrow, mint, and lavender. 

These herbs can be used fresh or dried, depending on the chicken keeper’s preference and availability.

How to Incorporate Herbs into Nesting Boxes?

To incorporate or add herbs into nesting boxes after preparation, follow these simple steps:

• Begin by cleaning the nesting box thoroughly to ensure a fresh start for the herbs.
• Gather your chosen fresh or dried herbs based on your preference and availability. Common herbs include lemon balm, chamomile, basil, mint, oregano, lavender, and thyme.
• If using fresh herbs, allow them to air dry for a few days, or use a dehydrator to accelerate the process. If using dried herbs, measure out the desired amount.
• Create a custom blend by mixing the herbs in a bowl. You can personalize the blend based on the needs and preferences of your flock.
• Add a layer of bedding material, such as straw or wood shavings, to the base of the nesting box.
• Evenly distribute the herb blend over the bedding, ensuring complete coverage of the nesting box.
• Mix the bedding and herbs to create a comfortable and inviting environment for your chickens.
• Repeat this process for all nesting boxes in your coop.

Incorporating herbs into nesting boxes can promote a calming and relaxing environment, encourage laying, and repel pests.

Using Dried Herbs vs. Fresh Herbs for Chickens

You may wonder whether using fresh or dried herbs is better when using herbs for your chickens. 

It’s essential to take note of the differences between fresh and dried herbs when it comes to the health benefits they offer your flock. Both types can be beneficial, but some important distinctions must be remembered.

Fresh herbs are generally more potent than dried herbs, as they contain higher levels of essential oils and other active compounds. Fresh herbs may be more effective at providing the various health benefits associated with each herb. 

However, fresh herbs have a shorter shelf life than dried herbs and may need to be replaced more frequently to maintain their potency.

On the other hand, chicken keepers find dried herbs more convenient and cost-effective, since they have a longer shelf life and maintain their potency over extended storage periods.

Dried herbs are readily available all year round, as suppliers offer them in bulk, and have a long shelf life.

When deciding whether to use fresh or dried herbs for your chickens, consider the herbs’ availability, budget, and personal preferences.

Growing Your Herbs for Chickens in the Backyard

Last update on 2023-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Growing herbs for your chickens is a fun and rewarding way to provide your flock with the numerous health benefits of herbs. 

Many herbs in this guide can be quickly grown in a home garden, patio, or balcony.

To grow your herbs for your chickens, start by selecting a variety of herbs that you think your birds will enjoy and that will provide them with the health benefits you desire. 

Afterward, select a spot for your herb garden with ample sunlight and soil draining well. Plant your herbs according to the specific growing instructions for each herb, and be sure to provide them with regular water and care.

Once your herbs are established and growing well, you can harvest them for use in your chickens’ nesting boxes, coop, or as a nutritious snack. Harvest your herbs regularly to encourage continued growth and maintain their potency.

What Herbs Will Chickens Not Eat?

While chickens enjoy a wide variety of herbs, there are some herbs that they will generally not eat. These include strong-flavored herbs like cilantro, tarragon, chives and bitter herbs like wormwood and rue. 

Additionally, some herbs can be toxic to chickens, including foxglove, comfrey, and nightshade. It’s essential to research each herb before offering it to your chickens to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their consumption.

What Herbs to Put in Chicken Nesting Boxes?

Adding rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and lavender to chicken nesting boxes helps repel pests and provides a pleasant scent. These herbs deter pests like lice and mites, maintain cleanliness with antimicrobial properties, and create a calming effect.

Incorporating these herbs into their nesting boxes provides chickens a more comfortable and pest-free environment, benefiting their overall well-being.

Summary

Incorporating herbs into your chicken care routine can profoundly impact your flock’s health and happiness. 

By selecting a variety of herbs that offer different health benefits, you can create a more enjoyable environment for your chickens and help to keep them healthy and stress-free. 

Consider growing your herbs to provide your flock with a fresh, natural source of these beneficial plants, and experiment with different combinations of herbs to create the perfect mix for your birds. 

By providing chicken nesting herbs, you can ensure their happiness and well-being, consistently producing fresh and delicious eggs.