A Complete List of Herbs for Healthy Chickens – Boost Your Flock Naturally

If you’ve ever wondered how to give your chickens a natural health boost, look no further than herbs. For centuries, herbs have been used not just for human wellness but also for animal care. Today, many backyard poultry keepers and even large-scale farmers are rediscovering the power of herbs to support immunity, digestion, egg quality, and overall vitality in chickens. 

The best part? Most of these herbs are easy to grow in your garden, buy locally, or even forage from your backyard. You don’t need all of them to see benefits—just a few well-chosen herbs can make a big difference. Let’s dive into some of the most beneficial herbs you can start using for your flock. 

 Immune System Boosters 

1. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

A powerful herb with proven immune-enhancing qualities. Research shows it can reduce the duration of avian flu and protect against infections. Beyond disease prevention, astragalus also reduces stress and inflammation in your flock. 

Dosage: Offer a couple of times per week, dried or as a decoction. 

2. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea/angustifolia) 

A well-known immune booster that supports the respiratory system and acts as a natural antibiotic. Both leaves and flowers can be given fresh or dried. 

Dosage: Offer freely in season or dry for year-round use. 

3. Garlic (Allium sativum) 

A simple yet effective herb to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and help prevent parasites. Easily available at any grocery store. 

Dosage: Add dried garlic to feed daily or crushed cloves in water a few times per week. 

4. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) 

So effective that commercial poultry farms now use it as a natural antibiotic substitute. It detoxifies the body, supports respiratory health, and improves egg production. 

*Dosage: Mix into feed daily, fresh or dried, or infuse in waterers.* 

 Herbs for Digestion and Stress Relief 

1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) 

Great for respiratory support, digestion, and overall stress reduction. Packed with antioxidants. 

Dosage: Offer fresh daily in feed or free-choice. 

2. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) 

Known for its calming effect, chamomile is perfect for stressed hens or after predator scares. It also soothes digestion and heals mucous membranes. 

Dosage: Use after stressful events or offer as a mild tea. 

3. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) 

A calming herb with antibacterial and antiviral qualities. Also aids digestion and fertility. 

Dosage: Feed fresh daily by the handful or dried in winter feed mixes. 

4. Mint (Peppermint/Spearmint) 

Cools the digestive system, relieves minor pain, and has antiseptic properties. Chickens love foraging through mint patches. 

• Dosage: Plant around the run or dry for winter use.

 Herbs That Enrich Eggs and Nutrition 

1. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) 

Boosts digestive health, reduces inflammation, and is rich in omega-3s. It’s also famous for making egg yolks a rich, vibrant orange. 

Dosage: Offer daily fresh or dried in feed. 

2. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) 

Often seen as a weed, dandelions are actually full of vitamins A, B6, C, and K, as well as calcium and fiber. Great for bone and heart health. 

Dosage: Let chickens graze freely or feed as often as available. 

3. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) 

Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Supports overall vitality and enhances egg nutrition. 

Dosage: Offer fresh when in season or dry for later use.

 Herbs for Respiratory and Parasite Support 

1. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) 

A powerhouse herb with antiparasitic, antibacterial, and respiratory-supporting properties. Also high in omega-3s and essential vitamins. 

Dosage: Feed daily in fresh or dried form. 

2. Sage (Salvia officinalis) 

Helps prevent fungal and viral infections while supporting digestion. 

Dosage: Offer weekly in feed or let chickens forage around sage plants. 

3. Nasturtium (Tropaeolaceae) 

Rich in vitamin C and loaded with antimicrobial benefits. It also helps with natural worm prevention. 

Dosage: Feed generously during growing season or dry for year-round use. 

4. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) 

Although prickly when fresh, nettle is one of the most nutrient-dense herbs. Supports respiratory health, acts as a detoxifier, and may help with parasite prevention. 

Dosage: Offer dried, cooked, or fresh weekly. 

 Nutritious Wild Herbs 

1. Chickweed (Stellaria media) – Rich in vitamins and minerals, great for digestion and respiratory health. 

2. Comfrey (Symphytum spp.) – High in protein and nutrients, but offer sparingly to avoid toxicity. 

3. Lamb’s Quarter (Chenopodium album) – A wild herb packed with iron, protein, and vitamins. 

4. Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) – Soothes inflammation and boosts liver and respiratory health. 

5. Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum) – Antibacterial and antifungal, perfect springtime treat. 

6. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) – Supports fertility and provides excellent pasture forage. 

7. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Aids circulation, digestion, and stress reduction while being antioxidant-rich. 

Final Thoughts 

Adding herbs to your chickens’ diet is one of the simplest, most natural ways to promote health, prevent disease, and even improve egg quality. Whether you plant them in your garden, let them grow wild in pasture, or purchase them dried, these herbs provide a treasure trove of benefits for your flock. 

A handful of herbs can: 

• ✔ Strengthen immunity 

• ✔ Improve digestion 

• ✔ Support respiratory health 

• ✔ Boost egg nutrition 

• ✔ Reduce stress naturally 

And the best part—it doesn’t have to be complicated! Start with a few herbs available in your local market or backyard and build from there. 

📞 Want to learn the right combinations and dosages for your flock? 

At ChickCoop®, we help backyard chicken keepers and small farmers create custom herbal feeding plans that keep flocks naturally healthy and productive. 

At ChickCoop®, we’re more than just a Chicken Company, writing interesting blogs about them– we’re your trusted partner in building a modernized, sustainable and profitable farm. From breed selection to buy-back support, feed guidance, and modern farm management tips, we ensure farmers like you achieve the best results and profits.

Call us today to discuss your farming needs
📧 Email us at: write@chickcoop.in
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👉 Call us today for expert guidance on which herbs to start with—and how to use them safely!