If you’re already fermenting feed for your chickens (or thinking about it), you’re likely someone who cares about giving your flock the best natural health support possible. I’ve been fermenting feed for my hens for years, and one of the most beneficial upgrades I’ve made is adding herbs — specifically my Nesting Box Herbs and Cooling Herbs for Chickens.

These herbs go beyond just being “extras.” They bring real benefits to your chickens’ digestion, immune systems, stress levels, and even their eggs. Let’s dig into why you’ll want to start adding herbs to your fermented feed and exactly how to do it.

---

🌿 Why Add Herbs to Fermented Feed?

Fermenting feed already boosts nutrition and improves digestion — but pairing it with herbs takes those benefits to the next level.

✅ Key Benefits of Adding Herbs:

• Better digestion: Herbs like peppermint, fennel seed, and parsley help soothe the digestive tract and reduce gas or bloating.
• Immune support: Rosemary, marjoram, and chamomile contain natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Calmer, happier hens: Lavender and chamomile help reduce stress, especially during heatwaves, molting, or flock transitions.
• Fresher coop odor: Some herbs (like peppermint and rosemary) also help with odor when passed through the digestive system.
• Improved laying: A healthy, calm hen lays more consistently. Herbs support hormonal balance and egg production.

---

🧂 How to Add Herbs to Fermented Chicken Feed

Adding herbs to fermented feed is simple — just like steeping tea in your oatmeal!

🪴 What You’ll Need:

• Your regular chicken feed (pellets or crumbles)
• A container or bucket (food-grade)
• Filtered or non-chlorinated water
• Your favorite herb mix:
  • Nesting Box Herbs for Chickens: Marigolds, chamomile, peppermint, parsley, rosemary, fennel seed, dandelion leaf, marjoram, lavender
  • Cooling Herbs for Chickens: Hibiscus, peppermint, rose petals, lemon balm, chamomile

---

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Start Fermenting the Feed
   If you’re new to fermenting, check out my full tutorial:
   👉 How to Ferment Chicken Feed (Step-by-Step Guide)
2. Add Herbs (at the Right Time)
   • Option 1: Add herbs at the beginning so they ferment right alongside the feed. This softens them and allows the beneficial compounds to steep into the water.
   • Option 2: Stir herbs in on the last day of fermentation. This preserves more of their natural oils and delicate nutrients.
   • Dosage: Use about 1–2 tablespoons of herbs per pound of dry feed.
3. Stir Daily
   Mix everything once a day to keep it evenly fermented and oxygenated.
4. Feed Within 3 Days
   Scoop and serve! Chickens love the soft texture, and you’ll likely notice they peck through it to find their favorite herbs first.

---

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mix any herbs into fermented feed?

Yes, but stick to safe herbs for chickens. Avoid anything toxic like foxglove, rhubarb leaves, or nightshade family plants. My Nesting Box and Cooling Herbs are all 100% safe and poultry-friendly.

Do herbs make the feed go bad faster?

Not at all — in fact, many herbs like rosemary and peppermint have natural preservative qualities.

How often should I feed fermented herb feed?

You can offer it daily or rotate it in a few times per week. Some chicken keepers alternate fermented feed with dry feed for variety.

Will fermented feed with herbs improve egg flavor?

Some say the eggs taste richer and fresher. Herbs like marigold and dandelion can even help boost the yolk color!

Can I ferment just herbs and feed it like a treat?

Yes! A quick 1-day herb soak (think of it like an herbal tea) can be fed on hot days or when your flock needs a little boost.

---

🌞 Real Life Example: Cooling Herbs in Summer

Last summer, my hens were struggling in 100°F heat. I added a handful of Cooling Herbs to their fermented feed, and not only did they devour it, but I noticed a drop in panting and pacing by day three. The chamomile and peppermint worked wonders — and I loved that they were staying hydrated from the moist feed.

---

🧺 Final Thoughts

If you’re already fermenting feed, this is the next natural step. Herbs bring a host of health benefits, and they’re a beautiful way to support your flock — naturally, gently, and affordably.

🪻 Ready to try it? Grab a pouch of Nesting Box Herbs or Cooling Herbs, and let your flock enjoy their herbal upgrade!