Can Chickens Eat Lavender? 4 Excellent Benefits

Have you ever found yourself strolling through your garden, admiring your beautiful lavender plants, and wondering if your chickens can enjoy this fragrant herb as much as you do? Well, you’re not alone! As a fellow chicken owner and gardening enthusiast, I’ve often pondered the same question. Today, I’m excited to share with you that can chickens eat lavender is a question that has a delightful answer!

In this fun and informative article, we’ll dive into the world of chickens and lavender, exploring the benefits of feeding this lovely plant to your feathery friends. From calming effects to pest-repelling properties, lavender is a fantastic addition to your chickens’ diet, as long as it’s fed in moderation.

So, join me as we embark on a lavender-filled adventure, learning how to safely and effectively incorporate this delightful herb into your chickens’ lives. Trust me, both you and your flock will be glad you did!

can chickens eat lavender

Can chickens eat lavender?

The answer is a resounding yes! Chickens can safely enjoy munching on this fragrant herb. Lavender (Lavandula) is a popular perennial plant, well-known for its pleasant aroma, beautiful purple flowers, and various uses in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications. 

As a chicken owner, you may wonder whether your feathery friends can partake in the lavender goodness. You’re in for a treat, as not only can chickens eat lavender, but it also offers several benefits to their health and well-being.

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The benefits of eating lavender for chickens

There are many benefits to feeding your chickens lavender. 

Calming effect

Lavender is known for its calming and relaxing properties, which can also benefit your chickens. The herb can reduce stress and anxiety in your flock, helping them feel more at ease in their environment. A relaxed chicken is a happy chicken, and happy chickens tend to lay better eggs!

Pest repellent

Lavender can act as a natural pest deterrent thanks to its strong scent. Planting lavender around your chicken coop can help keep pesky insects like flies, mosquitoes, and mites away from your birds. Chickens can also benefit from this pest-repelling property when they consume the plant, as the scent will permeate their feathers and help ward off these unwanted visitors.

Antioxidants and essential nutrients

Lavender contains various antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which can help boost your chickens’ immune system and overall health. These antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals, reducing the risk of certain diseases. Moreover, lavender provides essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin A, which are crucial for your birds’ well-being.

Respiratory health

Lavender can help improve respiratory health in chickens by reducing inflammation and acting as an expectorant. This can be particularly beneficial for birds suffering from respiratory issues, such as congestion or coughing.

Things to watch out for when feeding lavender to chickens

purple lavender flowers

Overconsumption

While lavender is safe for chickens to eat, moderation is key. Excessive consumption can potentially lead to digestive issues or toxicity. Ensure your chickens have access to a balanced diet with various foods, including other herbs, vegetables, and grains.

Pesticides and chemicals

If you’re feeding your chickens lavender from your garden or purchasing it from a store, ensure it hasn’t been treated with harmful chemicals or pesticides. These substances can be detrimental to your chickens’ health, so providing them with organic, untreated lavender is essential.

How often should chickens eat lavender?

Since moderation is crucial, it’s essential not to overfeed your chickens with lavender. You can offer them fresh or dried lavender leaves and flowers a few times a week as a treat or supplement to their regular diet. Remember, lavender should not replace your chickens’ primary source of nutrition, which should be a well-balanced and diverse diet.

How to prepare lavender for feeding to chickens

chickens standing

Fresh lavender

If you have a lavender plant, snip off a few sprigs and offer them to your chickens. Ensure the plant is free from chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers before feeding it to your birds.

Dried lavender

Dried lavender can also be fed to your chickens, purchased from a store, or prepared from your garden. To dry lavender, cut off the flowering stems, tie them together in small bunches, and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area until the flowers and leaves are completely dry.

Mixed with feed

You can also mix lavender in with your chickens’ regular feed. This method allows you to control the amount of lavender your chickens consume and help ensure they get a balanced diet. Crumble dried lavender leaves and flowers and mix them into the feed, or sprinkle fresh lavender on top.

Create a lavender-infused treat

Another fun way to feed lavender to your chickens is by creating lavender-infused treats. You can add dried lavender to homemade chicken treats, such as pecking blocks and suet cakes, or even combine it with other herbs, seeds, and grains to make a nutritious snack for your flock.

Lavender in the nesting box

While not a direct feeding method, placing fresh or dried lavender in your chickens’ nesting boxes can provide a calming atmosphere and potentially encourage laying. The pleasant scent of lavender can also help keep the coop smelling fresh and discourage pests.

Can baby chickens eat lavender?

Chicks should generally be fed a specialized starter feed designed for their specific nutritional needs during the early stages of their lives. While lavender is not toxic to baby chickens, it’s best to wait until they’re six to eight weeks old before introducing lavender or other herbs, vegetables, and fruits to their diet. This will ensure they receive the proper nutrients for their growth and development.

What other herbs can chickens eat apart from lavender?

fresh flat leaf parsley

Chickens can benefit from a variety of herbs, which can enhance their diet, improve their health, and provide an enjoyable treat. Apart from lavender, here are five other herbs your chickens can safely munch on.

Cilantro

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a fragrant herb for chickens. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium, cilantro can support your chickens’ overall health. 

Additionally, cilantro has antioxidant properties and can help improve digestion in chickens. Offer your chickens fresh or dried cilantro leaves and stems as a tasty and nutritious treat.

Read More: Can Chickens Eat Cilantro? 6 Important Benefits

Basil

Basil is another herb that your chickens can benefit from. This aromatic herb is packed with vitamins A, C, and K and essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. 

Basil can help support your chickens’ immune system, promote healthy skin and feathers, and even help repel pests thanks to its strong scent. You can provide fresh or dried basil leaves to your chickens as an occasional treat.

Read More: Can Chickens Eat Basil? 5 Fantastic Benefits

Parsley

Parsley is a nutrient-dense herb that your chickens will love to peck at. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, parsley offers a variety of health benefits. 

It can help support your chickens’ immune system, improve blood circulation, and promote better egg production. Offer fresh or dried parsley leaves and stems to your chickens as a healthy supplement to their diet.

Read More: Can Chickens Eat Parsley? 4 Fantastic Benefits

Rosemary

Rosemary is another fantastic herb option for your chickens. Known for its distinctive scent and flavor, rosemary is rich in vitamins A and C and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. 

Rosemary can help support your chickens’ immune system, promote healthy digestion, and be a natural insect repellent. Provide fresh or dried rosemary sprigs to your chickens to enjoy this aromatic herb’s benefits.

Read More: Can Chickens Eat Rosemary? 5 Amazing Benefits

Mint

Mint is a refreshing herb that can provide a pleasant treat for your chickens. With its high content of vitamins A and C and minerals like calcium and magnesium, mint can offer numerous health benefits. 

Mint can help improve digestion, soothe the respiratory system, and even act as a natural insect repellent thanks to its strong scent. Offer your chickens fresh or dried mint leaves for a cool, refreshing addition to their diet.

Read More: Can Chickens Eat Mint? 5 Amazing Benefits

By incorporating these herbs into your chickens’ diet, along with lavender, you can provide them with an array of health benefits and a diverse, flavorful eating experience. Remember to always practice moderation and ensure the herbs are free from harmful chemicals or pesticides before feeding them to your flock.

Can chickens eat lavender – final thoughts

In a nutshell, our feathery friends can enjoy the fragrant and delightful world of lavender! As we’ve discovered, not only can chickens eat lavender, but they can also benefit from its calming effects, pest-repelling properties, and essential nutrients. Remember to practice moderation and provide a balanced diet to ensure your flock remains happy and healthy.

So, the next time you admire your lavender plants, share some of that aromatic goodness with your chickens. They’ll cluck their appreciation while enjoying the taste and aroma of this charming herb.

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Jill Taylor Happy Farmyard

Jill Taylor

Jill is a full-time homesteader who enjoys learning about sustainable living and practicing self-reliance. She'll most likely be found tending to her many animals including chickens, ducks, goats, and alpacas. You can find out more about her on LinkedIn.