How to Use Garden Herbs to Keep Your Chickens Healthy (Naturally)

Growing herbs isn’t just for flavor—it’s for flock health, too.

If you’re planting basil and parsley for the kitchen this season, don’t forget your coop. Herbs aren’t just tasty—they’re powerful tools for pest control, respiratory health, immune support, and even laying performance in both chickens and quail.

I’m a firm believer that prevention is the best “medicine”—especially with poultry, who often hide symptoms until illness is advanced. Herbs are an easy, inexpensive way to boost your flock’s wellness from the ground up.

Here are some of our favorite ways to use them:

• Hang bundles in the coop or run
• Toss fresh leaves into nesting boxes
• Sprinkle dried herbs into feed
• Blend into cluckcicles or flock treats 

Speaking of treats—when we make our cluckcicles, we throw in whatever herbs we’ve got on hand. The flock stays cool, and we know we’re supporting their immune system too. (If you missed the recipe, [grab it here].)

🌿 Go-To Herbs + What They Do

Oregano
Nature’s antibiotic. Antifungal, antiparasitic, and incredibly effective for prevention. I love it so much we even use a feed blend that includes it and flock fixer during times of stress, heat, or illness.

Parsley
Natural dewormer, high in vitamin C and K (for immune and blood health), plus iron for strong red blood cells.

Basil
Antibacterial and insect-repelling, plus promotes rich orange yolks.

Dill
Respiratory support + packed with vitamin A, C, and magnesium.

Rosemary
Soothes stress, supports respiratory health, and repels insects.

Mint
Cools the flock during summer, controls parasites, and repels flies and mice. Bonus: we use the extra in our mint lemonade. ([Here’s the recipe] if you missed it.)

French Marigolds
Plant around tomatoes + peppers for pest control, then feed to chickens to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and deepen yolk color. Plus marigolds naturally boost the omega content of the eggs.

Also on our list:

• Lemongrass (fly control)
• Garlic (antifungal and laying stimulant)
• Lemon Balm (antioxidant and immune boost)
• Thyme (laying stimulant and immune booster)

So when you’re mapping out your summer garden… think beyond the kitchen.
A few extra herbs can go a long way in keeping your flock healthy, naturally.

Do you plant with your chickens in mind? Tell me in the comments!

See you on the farm,

- Natalie