Using Herbs for Chickens?

[BrahmaBaby]

Hello, I was reading an article that was an interview of Lisa Steele I believe. She was talking about using herbs for her chickens, which I’ve been wanting to try. I ended up buying French Lavender, lemon grass, oregano, parsley and mint. Does anyone have experience with these? How do I administer them to chickens, and for what uses? Also, I noticed a couple days ago I have a chicken that is not acting right. She is sitting around a lot inside the coop, wasn’t roosting last night and was instead sitting on the floor. Is there an herb that I got that I can use to help her and how would I do so?

 

[giakaris]

I am interested in any experienced replies too. I intend to mix some dried oregano to their feed for start but i have no experience.

 

[coach723]

There are loads of articles all over on using herbs. They may be helpful for some things, but if you have an actually ill bird then figuring out what ails it is needed first in order to have any idea of what things might work. Often, in advanced illness, something stronger might be a better choice. Herbals can certainly sometimes help in conjuction with other treatments. Herbs tend to not have much in the way of "dosing" information since actual values can vary greatly depending on when or where they are harvested, age of plant, which part of the plant is used, etc. They aren't created in a lab with absolute values. Most of them are pretty safe, there are some that need to be used with more caution. So in general, there is way too much information to be able to adequately answer the herbal question in this format.
You are best off researching and reading as much as you possibly can.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

A few years ago I read this thread which you may find helpful. I did use Oregano Oil to treat a Respiratory Infection in a Pullet. However, I also used VetRx to treat her. I would not rely solely on herbs when dealing with a serious illness. I find herbs helpful but not a replacement. I use essential oils in my coop. I let drops of peppermint soak into wood for a lovely smelling coop and rodent deterent. I also use dried lavender and other dried herbs in nest boxes. It ends there though, I don't feed herbs to my chickens and I notice that they do not naturally choose herbs that they have access to (Rosemary, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Oregano.) They never eat those plants and I trust thier natural ability to choose what to eat.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...espiratory-issues-infections-naturally.77235/

 

[BigBlueHen53]

don't feed herbs to my chickens and I notice that they do not naturally choose herbs that they have access to (Rosemary, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Oregano.) They never eat those plants and I trust thier natural ability to choose what to eat.

I agree with the above and with coach723. There are much more effective products for helping sick or injured chickens..

Frankly, I only find these herbs useful for flavoring chicken soup.