The flowers are edible for both humans and chickens. The specific herbs I use vary depending on my application, i. e., calming herbs in the nesting boxes, super healthy disease-busting herbs in the brooder, insect-repelling herbs in the dust bath, nutritious herbs dried in the feed, immune-boosting garlic in the water, cooling mint frozen into ice cubes to beat the summer heat. Many herbs can be started from seeds for just pennies. The ratio usually varies from 0. Always take away the apple seeds before you serve the fruit for the chickens. Is lemongrass safe for chickens to feed. Thanks to Lisa Steele of "Fresh Eggs Daily" for this enlightenment. Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides, a well-known healer, pharmacologist & botanist in his day, extensively wrote on comfrey's properties.
But it is an introduction to growing and using medicinal herbs on the homestead. In more than six years, I have not had a single instance of any illness in my flock nor unexplained death. The hens will peck at them periodically throughout the day. Why it's good for chickens: Melaleuca oil helps to ward off mites. To fight insects with rosemary, I suggest hanging rosemary bundles in their coop, mixing rosemary essential oil with water, and spraying it inside. We grow it every year in our garden, and for us, it's a perennial. Hanging mint around your coop alone does not make for an effective pest management system, but it can be part of it. The following herbs can all be used in the nest boxes to benefit the chickens and keep unwanted pests away: - Lavender is calming, increases blood circulation, is highly aromatic, and serves as an insecticide. Until next time, –The Wing Lady. After cleaning out the coop, spray liberally with Lemon spray. Popular carriers include almond, apricot kernel, borage, evening primrose, macadamia, peach kernel and jojoba oils. 6 All-Natural Ways To Keep Flies, Gnats, And Mosquitoes Off Your Chickens. I would love a chicken garden, is this plant chicken proof and chicken resistant? She gave me the following tips: - Respiratory problems can be treated with basil, bee balm, cinnamon, clover, dill, echinacea, rosemary, thyme or yarrow added to their diet.
The main benefit of growing and using lemongrass for most people, however, is as a natural pest repellent. Will the lemongrass withstand the chickens? In fact, they are widespread all over the country. 12 Potentially Harmful or Toxic Herbs to Avoid in Chicken Keeping. Most aromatic herbs make great insect repellents because bugs dislike the strong smell. 15 Herbs That Your Chickens Will Love | Coops & Cages. Calendula is a favorite among gardeners (including me! ) Why it's good for chickens: These three oils are wonderful for all kinds of skin irritations. Using Herbs in Chicken's Water.
How to Use Herbs in the Dust Bath: Mix any or all of the dry herbs mentioned above into your dust box. And, knowing that it is working against all the bad things that want to grow in an environment where chickens are, gives me great peace of mind that I'm doing the right thing for our flock. The nice thing about raising chickens naturally using herbs is that you can pick and choose what works for you. Here are some perennials that can help you chickens resist parasites like lice, mites, and other insect pests. Coop Spray found in Lisa's book, "Fresh Eggs Daily" by St. Lynn Press 2013. I think my top ten herbs for chicken keeping would be: - Basil – antibacterial, mucous membrane health. If they like the grass they are going to have some pecks on the leaves. 4 Herbs to Help Repel Insects From Your Chickens – Mother Earth News. Turn your tomato harvest into delicious food to enjoy all year long! Nothing is worse than being bothered by flying pests. Although most of us regard lavender as having a very pleasant scent, bugs think differently. How to use it: Spray diluted citrus oils on hens being pecked by their coopmates. My chickens are beautiful with glossy feathers. The highly aromatic leaves of mint are strong insect repellents. I would start with those you might also use in cooking, so they do double duty.
The ancient Egyptians, Chinese and Ayurvedic physicians in India used them widely. Lavender is a natural stress reliever which can be beneficial to laying and sitting hens. Herbs aren't picky about the soil they are planted in; many don't even need much water. The smell also has a calming, de-stressing effect, making it a great choice to add to nest boxes or dust bathing areas. Imagine trying to give birth while having a mosquito buzzing around your head. Lemongrass can be grown to repel flying insects, like mosquitoes. Is lemongrass safe for dogs and cats. If you are hanging a bunch of fresh herbs in the coop, it's fine to leave them up indefinitely. Bee balm, like its name implies, helps attract beneficial bees to your garden. It's good for the immune system, aids digestion, and importantly for chickens, can help alleviate respiratory issues. Use yarrow/calendula salve for wound care in hens.
Planting lemongrass keeps snakes and bugs away from the environment. MitesBGone Nesting Herbs can keep mites, lice & other creepy crawlies away. Use pure essential oils, especially if dosing internally.