Chickens enjoy a variety of plants, including leafy greens like kale and spinach, herbs such as parsley and basil, and edible flowers like dandelions and marigolds.
Chickens love to forage for plants, but not all greens are safe or beneficial. Knowing which plants chickens enjoy helps create a healthy, varied diet while avoiding toxic varieties. This guide covers the best weeds, herbs, flowers, and shrubs for your flock.
Why Plants Matter in a Chicken’s Diet
Chickens naturally seek out plants for nutrients not found in commercial feed. Greens provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber while supporting digestion and egg production. Some plants even offer medicinal benefits like parasite control or respiratory support.
Nutritional Benefits of Forage
- Calcium from clover and dandelions strengthens eggshells
- Vitamin A in chickweed boosts immune function
- Protein in plantain aids feather growth
- Antioxidants in marigolds improve yolk color
Top Weeds Chickens Love to Eat
Many common weeds are chicken superfoods. These hardy plants grow easily and provide excellent nutrition.
| Weed | Benefits | How to Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Dandelion | Rich in calcium, vitamins A, B, C, E, K | Whole plant – leaves, flowers, roots |
| Clover | High protein, supports circulation | Fresh or dried in nesting boxes |
| Chickweed | Natural pain relief, digestive aid | Fresh cuttings in run |
| Plantain | Anti-inflammatory, wound healing | Leaves added to feed |
For more on managing chickens while you’re away, see our guide on chicken care during vacation.
Best Herbs for Chicken Health
Herbs offer concentrated nutrition and medicinal properties. Many help deter pests naturally.
Must-Grow Herbs
- Oregano – Fights coccidiosis and respiratory issues
- Parsley – Laying stimulant with high vitamin content
- Mint – Repels flies and rodents from coop areas
- Lavender – Calms stressed birds, reduces pecking
How to Use Herbs
- Plant around coop perimeter for free-ranging
- Dry and mix into feed (1 tbsp per bird weekly)
- Make herbal “tea” for water supplementation
- Add fresh sprigs to nesting boxes
According to Backyard Chickens, oregano shows particular promise against common poultry diseases.
Flowers Chickens Enjoy
Edible flowers provide nutrients and make excellent nesting box additions.
Top Picks
- Nasturtium – Natural antibiotic, egg production booster
- Marigold – Deepens yolk color, skin soother
- Rose – High vitamin C, stress reducer
- Sunflower – Seeds are protein-packed treats
Plants That Survive Chicken Foraging
Some sturdy plants can grow inside runs without being destroyed:
- Russian sage
- Pineapple sage
- Butterfly bush
- Lemon grass
- Tree roses
For more on chicken behavior, read about why chickens dig holes.
Dangerous Plants to Avoid
Some common plants are toxic to chickens:
| Plant Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Weeds | Nightshade, buttercup, foxglove |
| Herbs | Tansy, pennyroyal, rue |
| Flowers | Lily of the valley, oleander, rhododendron |
The Backyard Chickens community provides excellent guidance on safe flowers.
Creating a Chicken-Friendly Garden
Strategically planting for your flock saves money on feed while keeping birds healthy.
Design Tips
- Plant tough shrubs like rosemary as perimeter barriers
- Use raised beds for delicate herbs
- Rotate grazing areas to prevent over-foraging
- Include dust bath areas with herbal additions
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring: Plant quick-growing greens like clover
- Summer Offer shade plants like sunflowers
- Fall: Grow cold-hardy kale and cabbage
- Winter: Provide sprouted grains indoors