10 Herbs You Can Feed Your Chickens
Feeding fresh cut herbs to your chickens can add variety to their diet and provide a range of health benefits. In this short article, find out which herbs are safe to feed chickens and why you might offer them to your flock from time to time based on findings from relevant scientific research.
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When it’s time to prune my herb garden, I save some of the cuttings for my chickens. They love getting snacks, and I like giving them treats that make them happy, as well as healthy.
The use of herbs as medicine or to flavor food is an ancient practice. In my raised garden, I grow common herbs that are safe for human consumption. I have cilantro for salsa, basil for pasta dishes, dill for making pickles, and more.
Just because these herbs are OK for people to eat, it doesn’t guarantee that they are safe for animals. Before I first gave my chickens fresh herbs, I did some research.
In my search, I came across plenty of claims about the benefits of herbs for poultry, of course most were anecdotal or uncited. As is my nature with a science background, I decided to do some digging and see what evidence there might be to support herbalism in animal husbandry.
Below are my findings after scouring the literature on this interesting topic!
1. Parsley for Chickens
Parsley is rich in minerals like phosphorus and calcium and vitamins, including A and C. Online, it is touted as a “laying stimulant.”
When I looked into that, what I found was one recent study in laying hens given dried parsley, zinc-enriched yeast, or a combination of the two. The results showed that even during heat stress, hens in all three experimental groups had sustained egg production, increased egg mass, and improved egg quality (Cornescu, G.M., et al., 2023).
I don’t know if I would say there is enough evidence to claim that parsley is a laying stimulant, but on hot summer days, tossing your flock some cool, refreshing parsley definitely won’t hurt.
2. Cilantro for Chickens
The leaves of the plant, Coriandrum sativum, are what we know as cilantro, while the dried seeds are referred to as coriander. This herb contains vitamins C and K as well as magnesium and iron. On the web, it has been hailed as having antiparasitic effects.
In the literature, I found a study where the diet of broiler chickens was supplemented with traditional antibiotics or a combination of probiotics, chicory root powder, and coriander seed powder. Gurram, et al. (2022) found the herbal dietary additives correlated with higher weight gain and improved digestive health in meat chickens. In a similar study with broiler chickens fed coriander seed powder, resistance to diseases such as Newcastle, infectious bronchitis, and infectious bursal disease were observed (Hosseinzadeh, H., et al., 2014).
While I did not find research directly relating to parasites, there is reason to believe coriander seed may boost immunity in chickens. Since I’m not letting the cilantro in my garden go to seed or drying it, the fresh cilantro leaves my chickens are getting is just a nutritious snack.
3. Lavender for Chickens
Lavender is an aromatic herb with little nutritional value; however, it does contain some calcium. The plant’s flowers are often dried and used for aroma therapy or distilled to create lavender essential oil.
There were few studies I could find where lavender was used as a feed additive. In one literature review, it was reported that the dietary addition of lavender, alfalfa, and nettle powder correlated with brighter egg yolk color as well as improved overall health in laying hens (Pliego, A.B., et al., 2020). In another study, the effects of inhaled lavender on carcass quality in slaughtered quail was investigated. It was found that animals in the experimental group had lower triglyceride and glucose values, indicating a possible reduction in stress before harvest (Arslan, E., et al., 2025).
While feeding lavender to chickens may not have any direct benefits, its presence in the coop can be calming to your flock.
4. Basil for Chickens
Basil is a fragrant herb containing vitamin K and powerful antioxidants. Like many other herbs we have already reviewed, online forums praise its usefulness as an antibacterial agent and digestive aid.
When I looked for evidence of its effectiveness as a dietary supplement for poultry, I found one semi-recent study conducted on laying hens. Beier, et al. (2014) concluded that the essential oil from basil is not toxic to chickens and those that consumed it were less excitable than their non-treated counterparts. Further, they hypothesize that basil derivatives could be beneficial in controlling insect infestations in chicken coops or runs.
For these reasons, basil seems to be a great treat for your feathered friends.
5. Oregano for Chickens
Oregano is rich in calcium, iron, and vitamins A, E, and K. There is no shortage of online talk about the advantages of adding oregano or oil of oregano to the feed or water sources of farm animals. It is claimed to have health benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
I was surprised that you can actually find quite a bit of research that has been conducted on various species of animals with either oregano or oregano essential oil. A literature review conducted by Gholami-Ahangaran et al. (2022), found that the compounds in oregano (carvacrol) and thyme (thymol) help inhibit the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract of poultry. Nadia, et al. (2008) found that adding herbs such as oregano, rosemary, and thyme during the laying period improved the production performance of hens. In addition, Jahja, et al. (2022) proposed that oregano extracts may be used as an alternative to antibiotics to promote growth in broiler chickens raised for meat.
Due to all of the potential benefits, fresh oregano may be helpful to give your chickens a boost of nutrition during periods of stress, like when molting.
6. Peppermint for Chickens
Peppermint is a refreshing herb that contains protein, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. It is claimed to repel insects and improve the health of poultry when consumed.
In my search for data on feeding fresh peppermint, I found a study where the diet of broiler chicks was supplemented with peppermint leaves for 35 days. Abdel-Wareth, et al. (2019), reported that body weight increased when peppermint leaves were fed and that the mortality rate in the chickens went down. In another study, reduced susceptibility to internal parasites was observed in poultry that were allowed to self-medicate with peppermint and other herbs (Lans and Turner, 2011).
It appears that there are several reasons throwing peppermint clippings to your chickens may be a good idea. This is an herb that I always have plenty of, so now I know the extra will go to good use!
7. Dill for Chickens
Dill is high in vitamins A and C as well as manganese and folate. It is believed to improve respiratory health in chickens and act as a natural sedative.
In the literature, I found studies where dried dill powder was added to the diet of broiler chickens. Samira, et al. (2023) reported that when combined with garlic and atorvastatin, dill feed supplementation was linked to improved gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary function in chickens. In similar study, the addition of hemp and dill seed was found to aid the growth of good bacteria in the gut of meat chickens (Vispute, et al., 2019).
While I did not find any research to support feeding flowered dill to chickens, there’s no reason to believe it would be harmful.
8. Sage for Chickens
Fresh sage is an appealing herb with high water content as well as vitamin K and iron. It is thought to help reduce internal parasites and combat salmonella.
While I did not find evidence to support the online claims, I did find one study conducted with poultry and sage essential oil. Akdag and Bozbay (2024) reported that broilers that had a diet supplemented with sage essential oil had an easier time dealing with heat stress.
The benefit of adding fresh sage to the diet of your backyard flock may not have research to back it up, but the moist leaves could help prevent dehydration in the heat of the summer.
9. Rosemary for Chickens
Rosemary is a beautiful herb that contains calcium, iron, and B vitamins. Online, forums boast claims such as a preventing infections like bumblefoot and helping with internal parasites.
In my search for evidence to support the dietary supplementation of poultry with fresh rosemary, I found one study where a formulation containing ten percent rosemary leaves and eight other herbs was fed to chickens. The authors report that the concoction was an effective natural treatment for coccidia in chickens (Pop, et al., 2019). In another study, the addition of fresh rosemary leaf powder to the diet of broilers resulted in better gut health and increased weight gain compared to the control group (Wang, et al., 2024).
Therefore, fresh rosemary leaves can be a beneficial addition to the regular diet of your backyard flock.
10. Thyme for Chickens
Thyme is a versatile herb containing vitamins A and C, iron, and manganese. Online, it boasts benefits such as respiratory and digestive support and the promotion of healing after sickness and injury.
In my search, I found a comprehensive literature review that stated that thyme may be an effective alternative to antibiotics for broiler and layer chickens, as well as quail (Khan, et al., 2012). Thyme’s use as a growth promoter was investigated in a study with broilers, the authors report that thyme leaf powder increased the chicken’s immunity to disease and overall performance (Deeb, et al., 2024).
Thyme may not be a cure-all, but it’s definitely worth offering to your chickens every now and again.
Feeding Herbs to Chickens
As you can see, there is research to support the safety and benefit of feeding herbs to both laying hens and meat chickens. Offering fresh cut herbs can be a fun and easy way to “spice up” your chicken’s diet.
It’s important to remember that like any other treat, herbs should be offered in moderation and as a part of a well-balanced diet.
References:
Abdel-Wareth, A.A.A., Kehraus, S., & Sudekum, K.H. (2019). Peppermint and its respective active component in diets of broiler chickens: Growth performance, viability, economics, meat physicochemical properties, and carcass characteristics. Poultry Science, 98(9), 3850-3859. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pez099
Akdga, A. & Bozbay, C.K. (2024). Response of broilers to supplementation of Salvia officinalis L. essential oil in hot ambient conditions. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 56(8), 308. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-024-04111-x
Arslan, E., Colak, I.A., Ozturk, R., Bayar, I., Celik, S.A., & Bayir, T. (2025). Effect of inhalation application of lavender essential oil on slaughter and carcass characteristics and serum biochemistry in Texas quail. Poultry Science, 104(6), 104828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2025.104828
Beier, R.C., Byrd, J.A., Kubena, L.F., Hume, M.E., McReynolds, J.L., Anderson, R.C., & Nisbet, D.J. (2014). Evaluation of linalool, a natural antimicrobial and insecticidal essential oil from basil: Effects on poultry. Poultry Science, 93(2), 267-272. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2013-03254
Cornescu, G.M., Panaite, T.M., Untea, A.E., Varzaru, I., Saracila, M., Dumitru, M., Vlaicu, P.A., & Gavris, T. (2023). Mitigation of heat stress effects on laying hens’ performances, egg quality, and some blood parameters by adding dietary zinc-enriched yeasts, parsley, and their combination. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 15(10), 1202058. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1202058
Deeb, S.E., Ashour, E.A., El-Hack, M.E.A., El-Maaty, M.A., Youssef, I.M., Adil, S., Elolimy, A.A., & Swelum, A.A. (2024). Impacts of dietary different levels of thyme leave powder as a natural growth promoter on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood indices of broilers. Poultry Science, 103(12), 104396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.104396
Gholami-Ahangaran, M., Ahmadi-Dastgerdi, A., Azizi, S., Basiratpour, A., Zokaei, M., & Derakhshan, M. (2021). Thymol and carvacrol supplementation in poultry health and performance. Veterinary Medicine and Science, 8(1), 267-288. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.663
Guram, S., Preetam, V.C., Lakshmi, K.V., Raju, M.V.N., & Venkateswarlu, S.B. (2022). Synergistic effect of probiotic, chicory root powder and coriander seed powder on growth performance, antioxidant activity and gut health of broiler chickens. Plos One, 17(6), e0270231. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270231
Hosseinzadeh, H., Qotbi, A.A.A., Seidavi, A., Norris, D., & Brown, D. (2014). Effects of different levels of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seed powder and extract on serum biochemical parameters, microbiota, and immunity in broiler chicks. Scientific World Journal, 2014: 628979. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/628979
Jahja, E.J., Yuliana, R., Simanjuntak, W.T., Fitriya, N., Rahmawati, A., & Yulinah, E. (2023). Potency of Origanum vulgare and Andrographis paniculata extracts on growth performance in poultry. Veterinary and Animal Science, 19, 100274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vas.2022.100274
Khan, R.U., Naz, S., Nikousefat, Z., Tufarelli, V., & Laudadio, V. (2012). Thymus vulgaris: Alternative to antibiotics in poultry feed. Poultry Science, 68(3), 401-408. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0043933912000517
Lans, C. & Turner, N. (2011). Organic parasite control for poultry and rabbits in British Columbia, Canada. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 14(7), 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-7-21
Nadia, R.L, Hassan, R.A., Qota, E.M., & Fayek, H.M. (2008). Effect of natural antioxidant on oxidative stability of eggs and productive and reproductive performance of laying hens. International Journal of Poultry Science, 7(2), 134-150. https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2008.134.150
Pliego, A.B., Tavakoli, M., Khusro, A., Seidavi, A., Elghandour, M.M.M.Y., Salem, A.Z.M., Marquez-Molina, O., & Rivas-Caceres, R.R. (2022). Beneficial and adverse effects of medicinal plants as feed supplements in poultry nutrition: A review. Animal Biotechnology, 33(2), 369-391. https://doi.org/10.1080/10495398.2020.1798973
Pop, L.M., Varga, E., Coroian, M., Nedisan, M.E., Mircean, V., Dumitrache, M.O., Farczadi, L., Fulop, I., Croitoru, M.D., Fazakas, M., & Gyorke, A. (2019). Efficacy of a commercial herbal formula in chicken experimental coccidiosis. Parasitic Vectors, 12(12), 343. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-019-3595-4
Samira, A., Ahmadipour, B., Pirany, N., Hasanpour, H., & Khajali, F. (2023). Effect of dietary inclusion of atorvastatin, garlic, and dill on growth performance, antioxidant defense, gut, and cardio-pulmonary function, and lipogenesis in broiler chickens. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 55(3). http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11250-023-03639-8
Vispute, M.M., Sharma, D., Mandal, A.B., Rokade, J.J., Tyagi, P.K., & Yadav, A.S. (2019). Effect of dietary supplementation of hemp (Cannabis sativa) and dill seed (Anethum graveolens) on performance, serum biochemicals and gut health of broiler chickens. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 103(2), 525-533. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13052
Wang, P., Wei, Q., Zhang, C., Pan, H., Li, J., Ji, P., Ma, Y., Dou, T., Wang, Y., Li, Q., & An, Q. (2024). Effect of rosemary on growth performance, meat quality, fatty acid content, intestinal flora, and antioxidant capacity of broilers. Animals, 14(17), 2480. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14172480
