🌿 5 Easy Winter Greens to Grow for Healthier Chickens
Give your hens fresh nutrition and flavor all winter long with these hardy greens that thrive in the cold — and pair perfectly with Warming Herbs for Chickens and Nesting Box Herbs.
Why Winter Greens Matter for Chickens
When the garden fades and the bugs disappear, your hens lose access to the natural forage they rely on for vitamins and minerals. This is when fresh winter greens become a game-changer. They don’t just fill bellies — they provide chlorophyll, antioxidants, and natural enzymes that keep hens active and productive through the cold season.
- Better nutrition: Greens replace lost nutrients when bugs and weeds are scarce.
- Stronger immunity: Vitamins A, C, and E help hens resist winter illness.
- Eggshell and yolk boost: Minerals and beta-carotene deepen yolk color and strengthen shells.
- Natural boredom relief: Foraging on greens keeps hens pecking productively instead of each other!
🥬 5 Best Winter Greens for Chickens
GREEN: Wheat Grass
PLANTING TIME: Late Fall – Early Spring
GERMINATION: 4–7 Days
BENEFITS: Rich in Vitamin E and chlorophyll — boosts digestion and feather shine.
GREEN: Kale
PLANTING TIME: Early Fall
GERMINATION: 7–10 Days
BENEFITS: High calcium and antioxidants — boosts egg strength and immune health.
GREEN: Swiss Chard
PLANTING TIME: Early to Mid-Fall
GERMINATION: 5–10 Days
BENEFITS: Full of magnesium and iron — supports blood health and strong feathers.
GREEN: Spinach
PLANTING TIME: Late Summer – Early Fall
GERMINATION: 6–10 Days
BENEFITS: Iron, folate, and Vitamin E — improves egg quality and feather regrowth.
GREEN: Winter Ryegrass
PLANTING TIME: Mid to Late Fall
GERMINATION: 5–7 Days
BENEFITS: Hardy, regrows fast — ideal for runs and soil enrichment all winter long.
How to Grow Winter Greens for Chickens
Even if you don’t have a greenhouse, you can grow trays of greens indoors or in cold frames outdoors. Here’s how to make it easy:
- Pick shallow trays and fill with organic potting mix or composted soil.
- Scatter seeds thickly and gently press down — no need to bury them deep.
- Keep trays moist but not soggy; use a spray bottle for even watering.
- Harvest early: Snip greens once they reach 4–6 inches tall. They’ll regrow for multiple harvests.
- Rotate trays weekly for a constant supply of fresh greens all winter.
Jenny’s Tip: Mix your harvested greens into warm mash or sprinkle on top of scratch grains — add a teaspoon of Warming Herbs for a cozy boost!
Warming Herbs for Chickens
A cozy blend of oregano, thyme, sage, bay leaf, rosemary, and basil to help your chickens stay resilient, comfortable, and healthy during the colder months.
Shop Warming Herbs🌿 Nutritional Value of Winter Greens for Chickens
GREEN: Wheat Grass
MAIN NUTRIENTS: Vitamin E, chlorophyll, protein
WHY IT HELPS: Supports feather growth, boosts fertility, improves digestion.
GREEN: Kale
MAIN NUTRIENTS: Calcium, Vitamin K, beta-carotene
WHY IT HELPS: Strengthens eggshells, improves yolk color, aids bone strength.
GREEN: Swiss Chard
MAIN NUTRIENTS: Magnesium, potassium, iron
WHY IT HELPS: Promotes strong feathers and healthy red blood cells.
GREEN: Spinach
MAIN NUTRIENTS: Iron, folate, Vitamin E
WHY IT HELPS: Boosts circulation, supports laying hens, aids immune health.
GREEN: Winter Ryegrass
MAIN NUTRIENTS: Fiber, protein, Vitamin A
WHY IT HELPS: Keeps digestion smooth and helps regulate crop health.
Pair these greens with Warming Herbs for Chickens for a winter-ready flock 🌿
Warming Herbs for Chickens: Dosage Chart & Benefits
DOSAGE: ¼ Cup in dust bath weekly
DOSAGE: 1 tsp per 1 Cup feed
DOSAGE: 1 tsp per 1 Cup feed
DOSAGE: 1 tsp per 1 Cup feed
DOSAGE: 1 tsp per 1 Cup feed
DOSAGE: 1 TBS to ¼ Cup
DOSAGE: 1 tsp per 1 Cup warm, plain oatmeal
DOSAGE: 1 tsp per 1 Cup feed
DOSAGE: 1 tsp per 1 Cup feed in winter months
DOSAGE: 1 tsp per 1 Cup feed 2–3x per week
🔥 The Top 6 Warming Herbs for Chickens (and How Each Helps)
Rosemary
Main Benefit: Circulation & Immune Boost
How It Helps in Winter: Stimulates blood flow, supporting warmth and faster feather regrowth after molting.
Thyme
Main Benefit: Respiratory Support
How It Helps in Winter: Acts as a natural decongestant and antimicrobial to keep cold-season sniffles away.
Oregano
Main Benefit: Natural Antibiotic
How It Helps in Winter: Strengthens immunity and fights harmful bacteria — essential during cold, damp months.
Sage
Main Benefit: Digestive & Hormonal Balance
How It Helps in Winter: Improves digestion and helps regulate hormone cycles impacted by short days.
Basil
Main Benefit: Anti-Inflammatory & Calming
How It Helps in Winter: Reduces joint inflammation and keeps hens calm during long indoor hours.
Bay Leaf
Main Benefit: Circulatory & Digestive Aid
How It Helps in Winter: Warms from the inside out by stimulating healthy digestion and appetite.
