15 Chicken-Friendly Plants to Grow Near Your Coop
If you’re lucky enough to have chickens, you know that they are great for pest control and providing farm-fresh eggs. But did you know that there are certain plants that can help keep your chickens healthy? Here are 15 chicken-friendly plants to grow near your coop.
These plants can help with everything from warding off pests to providing extra nutrients. And the best part is, most of them don’t require much maintenance! So if you’re looking for an easy way to make your chicken coop even healthier, consider growing some (or all) of these plants.
If you have chickens, you know that they love to eat just about anything. But did you know that there are some plants that they really love? Here are 15 chicken-friendly plants to grow near your coop:
1. Basil – Chickens love the smell of basil and will often peck at it when given the chance.
2. Catnip – This is another plant that chickens find irresistible. They will nibble on the leaves and roll around in it if given the opportunity!
3. Chamomile – A favorite of many humans, chamomile is also enjoyed by chickens. It’s said to have a calming effect on them, so it’s perfect for keeping near the coop.
4. Dill – Chickens enjoy eating dill as well as using it as a dust bath!
5. Fennel – The aniseed flavor of fennel is loved by chickens (and humans!). It’s a great way to add some extra flavor to their diet.
6. Lavender – Not only do chickens like the taste of lavender, but it also helps keep insects away from the coop area.
Chickens & Crops – Feeding ourselves AND our chickens For LESS!
Growing Plants in Chicken Coop
Are you looking for a fun and unique way to grow plants? If so, consider growing plants in your chicken coop! This is a great way to get fresh eggs and beautiful flowers, all while providing your chickens with a comfortable place to live.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when growing plants in your chicken coop:
1. Choose the right plants. Not all plants will do well in a chicken coop.
Some, like tomatoes, need full sun and lots of space to grow properly. Others, like lettuce, can be easily overwhelmed by curious chickens. Do some research to find out which plants will work best in your chicken coop.
2. Provide adequate ventilation. Chickens produce a lot of dust and manure, both of which can be harmful to plants if there isn’t enough ventilation in the coop. Make sure there are plenty of windows and vents to keep the air fresh and clean inside the coop.
3. Keep an eye on water needs. Too much or too little water can be detrimental to plant growth. Be sure to check on your plants regularly and water them as needed – but don’t overdo it!
A small drip irrigation system can be helpful for keeping watering simple and easy.
Vines to Grow Over Chicken Coop
If you’re looking for a way to add some greenery to your chicken coop, consider growing vines! Vines can provide shade and shelter for your chickens, as well as a natural place for them to perch. Plus, they look pretty darn cute climbing up the sides of a chicken coop.
When choosing vines for your chicken coop, make sure to pick varieties that are non-toxic to chickens and won’t spread invasive roots. Good choices include:
• English ivy (Hedera helix)
• Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)
• Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)
• Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Plant your vines in pots or directly in the ground near the chicken coop. Train them to climb by attaching them to trellises or other support structures. Water regularly and fertilize monthly during the growing season.
In winter, cut back the vines to prevent them from becoming too woody.
What Plants Do Chickens Like to Eat
Chickens are omnivores, which means they will eat just about anything. However, there are some plants that chickens really seem to enjoy munching on. If you’re looking to add a little variety to your chicken’s diet, or just want to give them a treat, here are some plants that chickens like to eat:
1. Grass – Chickens love eating grass! Not only is it a tasty treat for them, but it’s also good for their digestion. Just make sure the grass is free of pesticides and other chemicals before letting your chickens loose on it.
2. Greens – Chickens will also enjoy eating leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce. Again, these are good for their digestive system and provide them with essential vitamins and minerals.
3. Flowers – Many types of flowers are safe for chickens to eat, and they’ll often go for the petals first.
Chrysanthemums, marigolds, nasturtiums, and roses are all popular choices among chicken owners. Just be sure not to feed your chickens any flowers that have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
4. Fruit – Chickens love fruit as well!
Watermelon and cantaloupe rinds are especially popular in hot weather since they help keep chickens hydrated (just make sure there’s no sugar added). Other favorites include grapes, strawberries, blueberries, oranges, and apples (without the seeds).
Plants Chickens Won’T Destroy
If you’re looking for plants that chickens won’t destroy, there are a few things to keep in mind. Chickens are omnivores and will peck at just about anything, so you’ll need to choose plants that are tough enough to withstand their beaks. You also want to avoid plants that are poisonous to chickens or have sharp thorns or spikes.
With those criteria in mind, here are a few good options for plants that chickens won’t destroy:
1. Lavender – This fragrant herb is not only beautiful, but it’s also tough enough to withstand chicken pecks. Just make sure your chickens can’t reach the flowers, as they may try to eat them and could end up getting sick.
2. Rosemary – Another herb that’s both beautiful and tough, rosemary is a great choice for chicken-proofing your garden. Again, just be careful with the flowers as some chickens may try to eat them.
3. Sage – A third option for an herbaceous border in your chicken coop is sage.
Like lavender and rosemary, it’s quite tough and can withstand chicken pecks without being damaged.
4. Marigolds – These cheerful annual flowers are not only beautiful, but they’re also said to deter pests like mosquitoes from entering your coop area. Plus, their thick leaves make them pretty resistant to damage from curious beaks.
5. Zinnias – Another colorful annual flower that does well in chicken coops is zinnias.
Credit: www.knowyourchickens.com
What Herbs are Good to Plant around a Chicken Coop?
If you’re looking to add some plants to your chicken coop, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure that the plants you choose are safe for chickens. Some plants can be poisonous if ingested, so it’s important to do your research before adding anything to your coop.
Once you’ve found some safe options, you’ll want to consider what purpose the plants will serve. Some plants can help deter pests, while others may provide your chickens with a source of food. Here are a few herbs that are good to plant around a chicken coop:
Basil: Basil is a great option for keeping flies and mosquitoes away from your chickens. It can also be used as an herbal seasoning in their food.
Chamomile: This herb is known for its calming properties, making it ideal for stressed out chickens.
It can also be used in chick feeders as an insect repellent.
Lavender: Lavender not only smells wonderful, but it also helps repel moths and other insects. Chickens love pecking at the flowers, so it’s a win-win!
Mint: Mint is another excellent herb for keeping pests away from your chickens. It’s also refreshing and makes a great addition to their water dish on hot days.
Oregano: Oregano is packed with antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, making it beneficial for both humans and chickens alike.
What Can You Plant in Your Chicken Coop?
When it comes to plants in the chicken coop, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that any plants you put in the coop are non-toxic to chickens. Second, you’ll want to consider whether or not the plant will be safe from getting pecked at by your chickens.
And finally, you’ll want to choose plants that will help improve air quality in the coop and provide your chickens with some extra nutrition.
With those things in mind, here are a few great plant options for your chicken coop:
Herbs: Herbs like basil, oregano and mint can add some nice flavor to your chicken’s diet (and yours too if you decide to use them in cooking).
They also have anti-bacterial properties which can help keep your coop clean and free of harmful bacteria. Just make sure the herbs are kept out of reach of your chickens so they don’t get pecked at and eaten too much.
Vegetables: Chicken love eating fresh vegetables like lettuce, kale and spinach.
Not only do they enjoy munching on them, but these veggies also provide them with important vitamins and minerals. If you grow vegetables right in the coop, just be sure to protect them from getting scratched up by chicken feet or getting pecked at too much. One way to do this is by growing them in hanging baskets or raised beds.
Flowers: Flowers not only add a splash of color to the coop, but they can also help improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the air. Some good flower options for the chicken coop include marigolds, zinnias and daisies – just be sure they’re non-toxic varieties!
What is the Best Thing to Plant for Chickens?
There are many things you can plant for chickens, but the best thing to plant depends on your specific situation. If you have a lot of space, then planting grasses or other forage crops is a great way to provide your chickens with fresh food. If you have limited space, then choosing plants that produce a lot of food per square foot is important.
Some good options include leafy greens, legumes, and root vegetables. Whatever you choose to plant, make sure it is safe for chickens and free of pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
What Are Some Chicken-Friendly Plants That I Can Grow Near My Coop?
If you’re wondering which plants chickens can eat, there are several chicken-friendly options that you can grow near your coop. Some popular choices include leafy greens like kale and spinach, herbs such as parsley and oregano, and nutritious treats like sunflowers and pumpkin. These plants not only provide natural grazing opportunities for your feathered friends but also add beauty to your surroundings.
What Flowers are Safe to Plant around Chickens?
Chickens are attracted to bright colors and strong scents, so plant flowers that will catch their eye and interest them. Some safe flowers to plant around chickens include:
Marigolds – These cheerful flowers not only look pretty, but they also repel harmful insects.
Chickens love to peck at marigolds, so they make a great addition to any chicken coop.
Zinnias – Another bright and colorful flower, zinnias make a beautiful border around a chicken coop. Chickens enjoy eating the petals of these flowers, so be sure to plant plenty!
Geraniums – Geraniums have a strong scent that chickens find irresistible. They’ll often try to eat the leaves of these plants, so it’s best to grow them in an area where they can’t reach.
Conclusion
Chickens are great for many reasons – they provide fresh eggs, help with pest control, and their manure is excellent for the garden. But did you know that there are certain plants that chickens love? Growing these plants near your chicken coop will not only provide your feathered friends with some tasty snacks, but they can also help to keep them healthy.
Here are 15 chicken-friendly plants to grow near your coop:
1. Lavender – Chickens love the smell of lavender and it can help to keep them calm. It’s also a great insect repellent.
2. Basil – Not only do chickens enjoy eating basil leaves, but this herb can also help to prevent mites and lice.
3. Mint – Mint is another herb that chickens like to eat and it has properties that can help to soothe an upset stomach.
4. Oregano – This herb contains carvacrol which has been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties – perfect for keeping your flock healthy!
5. Thyme – Chickens will nibble on thyme leaves as well as flowers and the plant can help to deter pests like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
