When it comes to raising chickens, good nutrition is at the heart of a thriving flock. While store-bought feeds and supplements certainly play their part, there’s a treasure trove of natural remedies available right at your fingertips: herbs. For centuries, farmers and homesteaders have turned to herbs to maintain the health of their chickens—promoting strong immunity, preventing parasites, and supporting digestion. Today, more and more poultry keepers are rediscovering this holistic approach. 

But the real question is—how do you feed natural herbs to your flock in the most effective way? Let’s explore why herbs matter, how to prepare them, and the best ways to deliver their benefits to your chickens. 

 Why Use Herbs for Chickens? 

Herbs aren’t just for seasoning your soup or tea—they pack powerful medicinal and nutritional properties. When used correctly, herbs can: 

  1. Boost immunity – Herbs like oregano, thyme, and garlic strengthen resistance to diseases. 
  1. Aid digestion – Mint, basil, and fennel help soothe digestive issues and encourage healthy gut bacteria. 
  1. Repel parasites – Wormwood, lavender, and rosemary can deter lice, mites, and intestinal parasites. 
  1. Calm stress – Chamomile and lemon balm work as natural relaxants, ideal during hot weather or transport. 
  1. Improve egg quality – Nettles and alfalfa add minerals and vitamins, enhancing yolk color and shell strength. 

Incorporating herbs doesn’t just keep chickens healthy—it also reduces dependency on antibiotics and chemicals, keeping your homestead more sustainable. 

Methods to Feed Natural Herbs 

The beauty of herbs lies in their versatility. You can introduce them in several ways, but two particularly effective methods are water infusions and decoctions. 

1. Water Infusions 

Think of an infusion as a simple herbal tea for your flock. Infusions extract the nutrients and medicinal properties of herbs into water, making it easy for chickens to consume. 

How to Make a Herbal Infusion for Chickens: 

1. Boil water and pour it over your chosen herbs (fresh or dried). 

2. Let it steep for 15–30 minutes. 

3. Strain out the herbs and cool the liquid. 

4. Add the cooled infusion to your chickens’ drinking water. 

Best Herbs for Infusions: 

  • Chamomile (calming, boosts immunity) 
  • Mint (cooling, digestive aid) 
  • Oregano (antibacterial, antiviral) 
  • Lemon balm (stress relief, improves feather health) 

Tip: Rotate herbs every few days so your flock receives a variety of benefits. 

2. Decoctions 

Some herbs are tougher—like roots, bark, or seeds—and need more effort to release their healing compounds. That’s where decoctions come in. Decoctions are made by simmering herbs in water for a longer period, ensuring you extract their full potency. 

How to Make a Herbal Decoction: 

1. Place roots, seeds, or bark in a pot with water. 

2. Simmer gently for 20–40 minutes. 

3. Strain and cool before serving. 

Best Herbs for Decoctions: 

  • Garlic (immune support, natural antibiotic) 
  • Ginger root (anti-inflammatory, supports digestion) 
  • Licorice root (respiratory health) 
  • Turmeric root (anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory) 

Decoctions are particularly useful during seasonal changes or if your flock is under stress, as they provide stronger herbal support. 

Other Simple Ways to Use Herbs 

If you’re looking for variety beyond water infusions and decoctions, here are other effective methods to integrate herbs: 

  1. Fresh Sprigs in Feeders: Toss fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill into feeders for a nutrient boost. 
  1. Herbal Dust Baths: Mix dried lavender, mint, and rosemary into dust baths to help repel mites and lice. 
  1. Nesting Box Herbs: Place dried chamomile, oregano, or thyme in nesting boxes to keep them smelling fresh and discourage pests. 
  1. Herbal Powders: Dry and crush herbs into powders and sprinkle them over feed. 

These additions are small, but they create a healthier environment for your flock while keeping them active and happy. 

Getting Started With Herbal Care 

If you’re new to using herbs for chickens, start small. Introduce one or two herbs into your flock’s routine and observe how they respond. Over time, you’ll learn what works best for your chickens’ specific needs. Remember, moderation is key—herbs are potent, and a little goes a long way. 

You don’t need acres of land to grow your own herbs, either. Even a few pots of mint, oregano, or basil on your balcony or backyard can go a long way toward supporting your flock’s health. 

 Final Thoughts 

Natural herbs are a safe, cost-effective, and powerful way to boost your chickens’ health. By preparing water infusions and decoctions, you ensure that your flock enjoys the full range of benefits without relying solely on commercial feed. Not only will this practice reduce your long-term expenses, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing your chickens are thriving on natural, chemical-free support. 

At the end of the day, healthy chickens mean better egg production, fewer vet bills, and a happier homestead. 

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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📞 Interested in learning more about herbal care for chickens or want personalized guidance for your flock? Call us today! We’re here to help you create a natural, healthy, and productive environment for your birds.