How to Grow Lemon Balm for Your Chickens

Raising backyard chickens has become increasingly popular in recent years, as people seek to embrace a more self-sustainable lifestyle. However, keeping chickens healthy and happy requires some effort and knowledge. One way to ensure your flock's well-being is by providing them with nutritious and tasty food. Lemon balm, an herb with a lemony aroma and taste, is an excellent addition to your chicken's diet. Not only does it contain several health benefits, but it is also easy to grow.

In this article, we will discuss how to grow lemon balm for chickens and how it can benefit their health.

Why Lemon Balm is Good for Chickens​

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint family and has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help improve your chicken's health. Here are some of the benefits of feeding your chickens lemon balm:

• Boosts the immune system: Lemon balm is high in antioxidants, which can help protect your chickens' cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also contains antimicrobial properties that can help ward off infections and diseases.
• Reduces stress: Chickens can become stressed, especially if they are kept in confined spaces. Lemon balm has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in your flock.
• Promotes digestion: Lemon balm contains essential oils that can stimulate the digestive system, helping your chickens digest their food better. It can also help reduce inflammation in the gut, preventing digestive disorders.
• Improves egg quality: The antioxidants in lemon balm can help improve egg quality, making them more nutritious and better tasting.

Nutritional Value of Lemon Balm​

Lemon balm is a highly nutritious herb that provides several health benefits for chickens. Here are some of the nutrients found in lemon balm and their benefits:

• Vitamins: Lemon balm is rich in vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B complex. These vitamins help support the immune system, aid in digestion and promote healthy skin and feathers.
• Minerals: Lemon balm contains several essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. These minerals play a vital role in bone health, muscle function, and energy metabolism.
• Antioxidants: Lemon balm contains several antioxidants, including rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and flavonoids. These antioxidants help protect the chickens' cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to various health issues.
• Essential Oils: Lemon balm contains essential oils, including citronellal, citral, and geraniol, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties. These oils can help boost the chickens' immune system and prevent infections.
• Fiber: Lemon balm is a good source of dietary fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and prevents digestive disorders.

Overall, lemon balm is a highly nutritious herb that can provide several health benefits for chickens. It is an excellent addition to their diet, and feeding them lemon balm regularly can help promote their overall health and well-being.

How to Grow Lemon Balm for Chickens​

Growing lemon balm is easy, and it requires minimal maintenance. Here are the steps to grow lemon balm for your chickens:

• Choose a location: Lemon balm prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. It can grow in partial shade, but it will produce fewer leaves.
• Prepare the soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure. Lemon balm prefers slightly alkaline soil, so you may need to add lime if your soil is acidic.
• Plant the seeds: Lemon balm can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If planting from seeds, sow them in spring or early summer, about 1/4 inch deep, and 6 inches apart. Water regularly until the plants are established.
• Water and fertilize: Lemon balm does not require much water, but it prefers moist soil. Water the plants when the soil feels dry to the touch. You can also fertilize the plants with compost or a balanced fertilizer every two to three months.
• Harvest the leaves: Lemon balm leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant reaches a height of about 6 inches. Cut the leaves near the base of the stem, leaving about 1/3 of the plant intact.

How to Feed Lemon Balm to Chickens:​

Now that you have grown lemon balm successfully, it's time to feed it to your chickens. Here are some ways to feed lemon balm to your flock:

• Fresh leaves: Chickens love to eat fresh lemon balm leaves. Simply cut the leaves into small pieces and offer them to your chickens as a snack or mixed with their regular feed.
• Dried leaves: You can also dry the lemon balm leaves and store them for later use. Dried leaves can be mixed with regular feed or added to homemade chicken treats.
• Lemon balm tea: Lemon balm leaves can be steeped in hot water to make a tea that can be added to the chickens' water. This is an excellent way to offer your chickens the benefits of lemon balm without having to feed them the leaves directly.
• Lemon balm oil: Lemon balm oil can be added to the chickens' food or water. However, it is essential to use only a small amount of oil, as too much can be harmful to chickens.

It's essential to introduce new foods to your chickens gradually. Start by offering small amounts of lemon balm and monitor their reaction. If they seem to enjoy it and show no adverse effects, you can increase the amount gradually.

Precautions When Feeding Lemon Balm to Chickens​

While lemon balm is generally safe for chickens to consume, there are some precautions you should keep in mind when feeding it to your flock:

• Moderation: As with any new food, it is essential to introduce lemon balm to your chickens gradually and in moderation. Too much lemon balm can cause digestive upset and diarrhea.
• Allergies: Some chickens may be allergic to lemon balm. It is essential to monitor your chickens for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or hives.
• Essential Oils: While the essential oils in lemon balm can provide health benefits, they can also be harmful in high doses. It is essential to use only a small amount of essential oils when feeding lemon balm to chickens.
• Pesticides: If you use pesticides or other chemicals in your garden, it is essential to wash the lemon balm thoroughly before feeding it to your chickens. Pesticides can be harmful to chickens, even in small amounts.
• Medications: If your chickens are taking medications or have underlying health conditions, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian before feeding them lemon balm. Lemon balm can interact with some medications and may not be suitable for all chickens.

Always wash the lemon balm thoroughly and avoid using pesticides or chemicals in your garden.

Conclusion​

Lemon balm is a nutritious herb that can benefit your chickens in many ways. It is easy to grow and can be fed to your flock in various ways. By incorporating lemon balm into your chickens' diet, you can help boost their immune system, reduce stress, promote digestion, and improve egg quality. Remember to introduce new foods gradually and monitor your chickens' reactions to ensure their health and well-being. If you have any concerns, consult with your veterinarian before feeding lemon balm to your chickens. Happy gardening and happy chicken-keeping!