When I first started call down our mess of backyard chickens more than six years ago , I knew I wanted to do it naturally . I fail to see the distributor point of raising our own chickens for the ballock if we were going to utilize chemicals , medications and antibiotic drug on them . The hassle was , not a lot of studies had been done ( and still have n’t ) on herbal remedies and preventives for chickens . I have understand countless books on the benefits of herb for masses , and also several written specifically about using herbs with livestock , but not much existent formal research .
Much of what is write is based on the source ’s personal experience or old - timer ’s lore alternatively of factual scientific work , but I did n’t rent that dissuade me . Whathasbeen tested and studied is the health benefits of culinary herb for mankind . Every herb has amazing and varied health benefit , which are also passing good to beast as far as I could check from the few books I set up that do cover holistic animal concern .
Common sense tell me that adding herbs to our chicken ’ environment and diet could only have a convinced impression . There was no downside as far as I could see . Easy and inexpensive to grow , herb are not only a wonderful addition to the repast I make for my family , little by little they have made their way into my chicken - keeping regiment , as well .
Over the years , I been capable to see the obvious benefit of the herbaceous plant in my chicken ’ appearance , wellness and ball caliber . Some herb I add to their feed , someI put in their nesting boxes , and others I hang in the coop or lead depending on the specific herb ’s benefits .
Maybe you do n’t believe that mint repels rodents or that garlic helps to expel interior worm . I ca n’t empirically prove that lavender calms hens or repels insect , but what I can tell you that in all the year I ’ve been raising Gallus gallus , I ’ve never had any kind of rodent or insect infestation in my coop , never seen any mites or worm on my chickens , never had a biddy with any sort of respiratory malady and never had to treat one for worms . I credit all of this to my use of herb in my Gallus gallus keeping .
Here are some easy ways to integrate herbs into your coop to gain the flock .
1. Calming Herbs
calm , fragrant herbs added fresh or dried to the nest boxes to help calm laying or setting hens let in lavender , lemon balm and chamomile leaves and flowers . lend them each time you refreshen the nest - box bedding or as needed .
2. Insect Repellents
dirt ball - repelling herbaceous plant immerse in blanched acetum and strained into a atomiser bottle can be used as a hencoop cleaner . Thyme , Basil of Caesarea and lavender leaves and flowers are some of my favorites because the essential oils are irritating to insects . Spray the roosts and around the nest box seat each time you clean your hencoop or more often if desire to facilitate repel bug .
3. Coop Companions
herbaceous plant imbed around the coop and tally can help revolt mouse and insects . Mint is your undecomposed bet to keep rodents out of your coop and will also repel flies , while marigolds and rosemary will assist repulse other types of insects .
4. Herbs For Feed
Herbs laden with vitamins and antioxidants that supply cosmopolitan health benefits to your wad admit Petroselinum crispum , sage and pot marjoram . Dry some of these herbs and then add together several cups of the dried mixture to each dish of layer provender . or else , you may cut back the leaves from the herbs fresh from your garden and feed them free - option to your mess .
5. Herbs For Eggs
herb containing the pigment xyanthophyll give to nice vibrant - orange egg yolks . Parsley , basil and marigold petals all arrest the substance and can be feed either dry and sum up to the feed or cater fresh from the garden .
6. Natural De-Wormers
Some herbs even act as raw de - wormers . Nasturtium flowers , garlic cloves and dandelion leave and heyday are some good selection to bestow to your chicken ’ dieting . prey on a even basis , they can aid keep your flock free from internal sponger .
Whether or not you believe in the healing mightiness of herbs , at the very least , they make beautiful and aromatic addition to any chicken chicken coop , and tasty treats that your chickens will love . All the culinary herbs mentioned above are safe for wimp to eat on and offer their own specific benefits , so think about growing these and various other herbs for your flock .
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