If you want to support your chickens bones, feeding them cilantro is a wonderful and natural way to do that. High in vitamin K and A.  Acts as a fungicide and contains many beneficial antioxidants. Harvest the cilantro leaves around the base of the plant.  Just make sure the plant is fairly established before you start harvesting so it will be able to handle the stress and recover as it continues to grow.  Once the flowers have gone to seed, start to re-sow more seeds. That way you won’t run out and have a continual harvest of fresh cilantro on your hands.   You can harvest the leaves or the entire plant at once.

Very beneficial to your chickens respiratory health, fresh dill can be fed to your chickens.  Try drying and then hanging it near or inside of the nest boxes.    It aids in the laying process because it is a natural sedative. When you’re ready to harvest, look for the dark green leaves, otherwise known as “dill weed”.  You can harvest the leaves at any time. The young leaves tend to have better flavor.

Repel insects and rodents with this powerful, aromatic herb.  It has been known to aid in regulating body temp., produce stronger egg shells, and helps with the chickens digestive system. Pick the leaves as you need them or harvest a large amount from each mint plant up to three times in one growing season.  Cut the stems 1-2 inches from the ground.   You can take cuttings from the plants you already have and root them in a little bit of water and then plant them indoors for fresh leaves throughout the winter. If you want to dry the leaves, it’s best to harvest them before the plant goes to seed.

Combats many diseases like coccidia, salmonella, and e-coli. It can ward off the dreaded avian flue.  Oregano naturally strengthens the immune system. Harvest oregano anytime after they have reached 4-6 inches tall. Harvest oregano leaves in the morning hours as soon as the dew has dried for best flavor.  Once harvested, use fresh or store leaves whole, placed in freezer bags and frozen. They can also be dried in a dark, well-ventilated area and stored in airtight containers until ready to use. 

High in many necessary vitamins and minerals that are required for optimal chicken health.  Helps blood vessel development and has been known to be a great stimulant for laying. Harvest your parsley once the leaves begin to curl.  Pick the leaves earlier in the day when the oils are the strongest.  You can store the sprigs of parsley in a jar with a little bit of water in the bottom, inside the refrigerator for later use.

These sprouts are actually larger and more flavorful than alfalfa sprouts and make a great addition to what you feed your chickens.  Your chickens be so happy eating broccoli sprouts.

As its name suggests, this is a lettuce that can be gown throughout the year, though it will require protection with a cloche or cold frame in the cooler months.    The ‘All Year Round’ lettuce is a classic Butterhead lettuce, with medium sized loosely formed heads and soft, buttery-textured green leaves.