Best Herbs for Chickens
Homeopathic, or natural, medicine is rapidly gaining traction in the poultry world. Oregano and Thyme, specifically, show serious potential to replace antibiotics. Not that much of what Perdue does should be emulated, but their widespread adoption of both Oregano and Thyme speaks to the credibility of the science considering they only exist to maximize profits.
The herb mixes sold at stores are astronomically priced for what they contain. Most are little more than mint, lemon balm, lavender, a few marigold and calendula flowers. Even in the great white north of Zone 5, I can grow virtually every herb from these mixes. Almost as awesome, I can buy the ingredients in bulk and mix them myself, combined with the herbs I have in season!
This realization led me to the following two combinations. One is for mixing in with feed and the other for spreading in nesting boxes and the coop.
Herbs for Chicken Feed
The herbs beneficial to chickens are numerous! So numerous, it can be overwhelming to figure out what they need and where to focus your budget. I aim to help here!
In a food processor or Ninja, combine:
- Dried garlic (minced) – use whatever is most economical to purchase or create
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
- Dried basil
- Dried lavender
- Dried rosemary