Planting a dedicated garden for your flock is a highly effective way to improve the health and happiness of backyard chickens. Fresh produce serves as a nutritional supplement to commercial feed, providing valuable vitamins and minerals that enhance overall well-being. This practice also offers necessary enrichment, satisfying a chicken’s natural desire to forage and peck throughout the day. By carefully selecting plants, you can introduce beneficial compounds that support immune function and even improve the quality and color of the eggs they lay.
Nutrient-Rich Greens and Garden Staples
The foundation of a chicken’s planted diet consists of high-volume, easy-to-grow leafy greens and large garden vegetables. Dark, leafy options such as kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard are packed with Vitamin K, which is necessary for proper blood clotting function in poultry. These greens also supply various B-vitamins and minerals like calcium, which is important for producing strong eggshells.
Other garden staples, particularly from the squash family, offer substantial nutritional value and can be stored for feeding during colder months. Pumpkins and various winter squashes are rich sources of beta-carotene, the pigment that the chicken’s body converts into Vitamin A. This nutrient supports immune and digestive system health and is responsible for producing the deeply colored, vibrant orange yolks. The seeds of these gourds also contain beneficial protein, especially during the molting season when protein needs increase.
Herbs and Specialty Plants for Chicken Health
Beyond basic nutrition, certain herbs and specialty plants can be cultivated for their specific, low-volume health benefits. Oregano is frequently studied for its properties that can help support the immune system, acting as a natural compound against common poultry issues. Chickens can consume the fresh leaves directly, or the dried herb can be mixed into their daily feed.
Calendula, often grown for its bright orange petals, serves a distinct purpose by enhancing the pigmentation of egg yolks. The petals contain high levels of carotenoids, which intensify the yolk’s color when the chickens consume them. Mint varieties are beneficial for their strong aroma, which helps repel common coop pests and can also provide a natural cooling effect when added to their water during hot weather. Lavender is another aromatic plant, often used dried in nesting boxes to create a calming environment for laying hens and to deter insects.
Establishing Chicken Forage Areas
Creating dedicated forage areas allows chickens to graze on pasture crops, which closely mimics their natural eating behavior. Legumes like alfalfa and various clovers (including white and crimson) are excellent choices as they are high in protein and calcium. These plants also benefit the soil by fixing nitrogen, helping to maintain the fertility of the grazing area.
Grains such as oats, wheat, and annual ryegrass are also suitable for a chicken forage blend. Chickens typically prefer the tender shoots of these grasses, ideally when they are between two and five inches tall. To ensure the plants survive repeated pecking, a system of rotational grazing is highly recommended. By dividing the forage patch into smaller sections and allowing the flock access to only one section at a time, you give the plants in the resting areas time to regrow. This management technique prevents overgrazing and ensures a continuous supply of fresh, nutrient-dense growth throughout the season.
Essential Safety: Plants to Avoid and Planting Management
While many plants are beneficial, it is important to be aware of common garden and household items that are toxic to chickens. The skin and pit of avocados contain the fungicidal toxin persin, which can cause serious health issues. Similarly, parts of the nightshade family, such as the leaves and stems of tomato and potato plants, contain the alkaloid solanine. Raw potato peels and any green parts of the tuber should be avoided due to this toxicity. Uncooked, dried beans also pose a risk because they contain lectins, which can be harmful to poultry.
Protecting Young Plants
To protect young plants from being scratched up and destroyed, physical barriers are often necessary. Simple wire cages or hardware cloth placed over newly planted seedlings will allow the plant to establish a root system while preventing the flock from accessing it. Elevated planters or sturdy fencing, at least four feet tall, can also protect garden beds and allow the plants to mature out of pecking range. Once plants are established, many can withstand the occasional foraging, but protection is necessary during the delicate growth stages.