Backyard Fowl Keepers

Ive been adding fresh herbs to the brooder alongside Chick Start for my week-old chicks, and so far, it seems to be going well. Ive noticed they peck at the herbs occasionally, and I like the idea of giving them something extra for enrichment and potential health benefits. Does anyone else do this?

Any favorite herbs or recommendations for what works best?

Lavender is a great option! It has calming properties and smells amazing in the brooder. Plus, the chicks seem to enjoy pecking at it.

Parsley and cilantro are great choices! They're nutrient-rich, and my chicks love nibbling on them. Just introduce them gradually to see how they react.

GoldenYolkGuy wrote: Thu Feb 13, 2025 5:27 am Ive been adding fresh herbs to the brooder alongside Chick Start for my week-old chicks, and so far, it seems to be going well. Ive noticed they peck at the herbs occasionally, and I like the idea of giving them something extra for enrichment and potential health benefits. Does anyone else do this?

Any favorite herbs or recommendations for what works best?

Adding fresh herbs to the brooder is a great way to introduce variety while potentially boosting health. Mint, for example, has cooling properties and can help deter pests, while basil is packed with antioxidants. Oregano is one of the best herbs for immune support, commonly used in natural poultry care. Another option is chamomile, which has calming effects and may help chicks settle more easily. Just be mindful of strong flavors, as some herbs can be overpowering. Have you considered drying some herbs for a longer-lasting effect in the bedding?

GoldenYolkGuy wrote: Thu Feb 13, 2025 5:27 am Ive been adding fresh herbs to the brooder alongside Chick Start for my week-old chicks, and so far, it seems to be going well. Ive noticed they peck at the herbs occasionally, and I like the idea of giving them something extra for enrichment and potential health benefits. Does anyone else do this?

Any favorite herbs or recommendations for what works best?

This sounds like a fun way to enrich their environment. I rotate herbs every few days to keep things interesting,rosemary one week, parsley the next.

I'd suggest adding lemon balm! It has a mild, sweet scent and is known for its calming effects. Plus, it helps deter pests and keeps the brooder fresh.

GoldenYolkGuy wrote: Thu Feb 13, 2025 5:27 am Ive been adding fresh herbs to the brooder alongside Chick Start for my week-old chicks, and so far, it seems to be going well. Ive noticed they peck at the herbs occasionally, and I like the idea of giving them something extra for enrichment and potential health benefits. Does anyone else do this?

Any favorite herbs or recommendations for what works best?

Herbs in the brooder can be beneficial in multiple ways. Beyond their nutritional value, they offer environmental enrichment, encouraging natural foraging behaviors. Lemon balm, for example, has a mild scent and calming effects, which could be useful for nervous chicks. You might also consider using marigold petals, as they are thought to enhance yolk color later on. I'd recommend testing different combinations to see what works best for your flock. How do you introduce the herbs,scattered in the bedding or placed in bunches?

I've done this with great results! My chicks particularly love picking at rosemary and dill. I also dry some herbs and mix them into bedding for a longer-lasting effect.

GoldenYolkGuy wrote: Thu Feb 13, 2025 5:27 am Ive been adding fresh herbs to the brooder alongside Chick Start for my week-old chicks, and so far, it seems to be going well. Ive noticed they peck at the herbs occasionally, and I like the idea of giving them something extra for enrichment and potential health benefits. Does anyone else do this?

Any favorite herbs or recommendations for what works best?

Try adding dill! It's packed with vitamins and has a mild flavor that chicks seem to enjoy. It's a fun way to add variety to their diet.

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