Safe Herbs for Poultry
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Susan
Posted on: April 27, 2011

We are a small farm and we have produce and chickens for eggs that we sell at the farmers market as well as a small store. I am looking for some help on planting safe herbs in the chickens pens, we are zone is 4-5 we live in Eastern Washington, USA

What a great idea! As you know, birds that do not receive enough sun or greens will often develop a vitamin deficiency. Herbs can be a wonderful addition to their diet and may help with prevention. As in all things, variety and moderation are the keys. Herbs that I have seen employed include (in no special order): alfalfa, chickweed, clovers, yellow dock, stinging nettles, dandelions, lambs quarters, cleavers, sow thistle, plantain... to name a few. And in case you were looking for other ideas, I have also seen these following other foods employed in diets for poultry: mustard greens, lettuce, apple pulp, cucumber, broccoli, green and red peppers, pumpkin, papaya, seaweed, carrots, cabbage, parsley, watercress, peas, potatoes and beans.

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