Best Herbs for Backyard Chickens during Winter

Best Herbs for Backyard Chickens During Winter

Winter can be a tough time for backyard chickens. With shorter days, colder temperatures, and fewer opportunities to forage, it’s essential to ensure that your flock receives proper nutrition and immune support to stay healthy through the season. One way to boost your chickens' health during winter is by adding a variety of herbs to their diet. Many herbs contain vital nutrients that can support digestion, immune function, and overall vitality.

In this blog post, we’ll explore five of the best herbs for your chickens during the colder months, and we’ll highlight some excellent Exotic Nutrition products that can enhance your chickens' winter wellness routine.

1. Calendula: Immune Support and Digestion Aid

Calendula, also known as marigold, is a vibrant herb with a wealth of benefits for your chickens. Known for its antimicrobial properties and rich beta-carotene content, calendula helps support a healthy immune system while promoting digestion.

• Why It’s Great for Winter: During winter, chickens can be more susceptible to respiratory issues, so the immune-boosting properties of calendula are especially helpful. The flowers also support healthy digestion, ensuring your chickens get the most out of their winter feed.

• How to Offer It: You can mix dried calendula flowers into your chickens' regular feed, sprinkle them on the ground for foraging, or offer them in a separate feeder for a more enriching experience.

  Related Product: If you're looking for a tasty and nutrient-packed treat to complement calendula, try Chicken Ecstasy from Exotic Nutrition. This delectable mix of dried fruits, veggies, and herbs is a wonderful snack to boost your chickens' immunity during winter months.

2. Echinacea: Natural Immune System Booster

Echinacea is one of the most popular herbs for supporting immune health, and it's particularly helpful for preventing colds and respiratory issues—common concerns for chickens in winter.

• Why It’s Great for Winter: Echinacea helps stimulate the immune system and supports overall health, making it a great herb for your flock during the cold months when they’re more prone to illnesses.

• How to Offer It: You can mix echinacea into their feed or use it as a topping on treats like Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae or Dried Mealworms for added flavor and immune benefits. If you have access to fresh echinacea, both the leaves and roots can be used, although the roots are stronger.

  Related Product: Boost your flock’s immune system with Flock-Yeah from Exotic Nutrition. This nutrient-rich treat contains a mix of grains, seeds, and healthy herbs, perfect for helping your chickens thrive during the winter months.

3. Elder: A Natural Immune Helper

Elder (specifically elderberry and elderflower) is another powerhouse herb that helps support the immune system. Research shows that elder can help keep chickens healthy and active, even during the cold season.

• Why It’s Great for Winter: Elderberries are packed with antioxidants, which can help prevent viral infections and other illnesses that are more common in the winter. The flowers also have immune-boosting properties.

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  How to Offer It: You can offer dried elderberries sprinkled over your chickens' regular feed or place them in a dish where they can forage. Chickens love to pick out the berries, making it a fun and beneficial treat.

  Related Product: For a protein-packed treat to complement elderberry, try Dried Crickets from Exotic Nutrition. They’re a great source of nutrition and can be mixed with elderberries to make a tasty snack that will help keep your chickens strong all winter.

4. Garlic: A Time-Tested Immunity Booster

Garlic has been used for centuries to support immune health, and it’s just as effective for chickens as it is for humans. Garlic has natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it an ideal herb to include in your chickens' winter diet.

• Why It’s Great for Winter: Garlic helps keep chickens’ immune systems strong and can also act as a natural dewormer. It’s particularly effective in preventing illness during the colder months when chickens are more vulnerable to disease.

• How to Offer It: You can add crushed or chopped raw garlic to your chickens' drinking water or sprinkle dried garlic over their food. The garlic will help fight off winter ailments and keep your flock healthy.

  Related Product: Pair garlic with the Bee-Tastic Chicken Treat from Exotic Nutrition for a sweet and healthy winter snack. This treat features honey and other nutrient-dense ingredients that, combined with garlic, support your chickens' overall wellness.

5. Oregano: A Natural Antibiotic

Oregano is another herb that’s well-known for its ability to support a healthy immune system. Oregano contains powerful antioxidants and essential oils, which make it an excellent choice for boosting your chickens' immunity during the winter.

• Why It’s Great for Winter: Oregano acts as a natural antibiotic and can help prevent respiratory issues that chickens are more prone to during the colder months. It’s also effective at reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.

• How to Offer It: You can steep fresh or dried oregano leaves in water and offer it to your chickens in their drinking water. Alternatively, sprinkle dried oregano on top of their food or offer it as a standalone treat. Oregano is one of the main ingredients in Exotic Nutrition Egg-Cellent.

  

  Related Product: Enhance your chickens' diet with Mealworm & Sunflower Pie from Exotic Nutrition. This delicious, protein-packed pie is perfect for serving alongside oregano or any of your favorite herbs for a nutritious winter treat.

Winter Enrichment for Chickens

Along with offering herbs, it's important to provide your chickens with mental and physical enrichment during the winter months when they may be less active. Cold weather can lead to boredom, which in turn may result in behavioral issues like feather picking or egg laying problems.

• Chicken Treat Dispenser: This fun toy encourages foraging and provides mental stimulation by dispensing treats like Dried Mealworms, Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae, or Dried Crickets when your chickens interact with it.

• Chicken Swing: Chickens love to perch and swing, and this toy can help keep them entertained during the colder months when they spend more time inside their coop. Plus, it's a great way to keep their muscles active and engaged.

  Related Product: For pest control in your coop, consider using Pest-Oust Chicken Coop Pest Control from Exotic Nutrition. This natural solution helps keep pests away, ensuring that your chickens stay healthy and safe all winter long.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Flock Healthy Through Winter

Winter can be a challenging time for chickens, but with the right herbs and supplemental treats, you can help your flock stay healthy and active. Calendula, echinacea, elder, garlic, and oregano are all great additions to your chickens’ diet during the colder months. Plus, with enriching toys and pest control solutions from Exotic Nutrition, you can create a safe and stimulating environment for your chickens throughout winter.

Be sure to check out the full range of products available from Exotic Nutrition to support your chickens' health and happiness during the winter months. Whether it’s delicious treats, enriching toys, or essential pest control, we have everything you need to keep your flock in top condition.

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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder.

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