If you’re looking for a natural way to support your laying hens’ health, happiness, and productivity, herbs are a fantastic (and easy!) addition to your coop care routine. For over 25 years, I’ve used herbs to help in the following ways for my girls:

• reducing stress
• boosting laying consistency
• repelling pests(mites and lice especially!)
• reducing pecking and aggression
• improving coop smell
• deterring mold and bacteria
• supporting hen immune health
• boosting yolk color naturally
• helping with respiratory health
• providing essential nutrients and minerals

In this article, I’ll walk you through the best herbs for laying chickens—and how to use them for maximum benefit. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve had chickens for years, these herbal tips will take your flock care to the next level.

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🌼 Why Herbs Matter for Egg-Laying Hens

Laying hens put a lot of energy into producing eggs. Their bodies need extra support to handle the physical stress of daily egg production. When your hens are stressed, bothered by pests, or dealing with poor nutrition, you may notice fewer eggs, soft shells, or erratic laying.

And they’re not just good for the hens—they also make your coop smell amazing!

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🌿 Best Herbs for Nesting Boxes (From My Nesting Box Herbs Blend)

Your nesting boxes are where the magic happens—and a calm, clean space encourages consistent egg-laying. The herbs in my Nesting Box Herbs blend were chosen with both health and comfort in mind.

🟣 Lavender

• Lavender is known for its calming aroma, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in hens.
• It also discourages pecking behavior, which can be a problem in crowded nesting boxes.
• Bonus: lavender’s scent keeps insects at bay.

🟡 Chamomile

• Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic properties.
• It soothes both hens and their skin, helping keep them calm and relaxed while laying.
• Also deters lice and mites.

🟠 Marigold (Calendula)

• Bright and cheerful, marigold flowers are antifungal and antibacterial.
• They help keep the nesting area clean and may enhance yolk color with their high carotenoid content.

🟢 Peppermint

• Peppermint is a natural insect repellent.
• It has cooling properties that can help soothe your hens in warmer months.
• Adds a crisp, fresh scent to the coop.

🟢 Parsley

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K—great for supporting healthy immune and reproductive systems.
• It’s also considered a natural egg-laying stimulant.

🌿 Rosemary

• Helps boost respiratory health and clear congestion.
• Deters pests with its strong scent and has antimicrobial properties.

🟠 Fennel Seed

• Known to aid digestion and stimulate appetite.
• In traditional folk use, fennel is believed to support better egg production.

🍃 Dandelion Leaf

• Packed with calcium, iron, and other minerals that benefit egg-laying hens.
• Also acts as a gentle detoxifier and liver supporter.

🟢 Marjoram

• Calming and antibacterial, marjoram is another gentle herb that creates a relaxing nesting space.
• Also known to help balance hormones naturally.

All of these herbs work together in the Nesting Box Herbs blend to create a restful, clean, and inviting space for hens to lay.

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❄️ Best Herbs for Hot Weather Laying (From My Cooling Herbs Blend)

Summer heat can quickly put stress on your laying hens, leading to fewer eggs and cranky birds. That’s why I created my Cooling Herbs blend—to naturally help your flock stay calm, cool, and comfortable during the warmest months of the year.

Each of these herbs works together to ease heat stress and support your hens’ well-being when temperatures rise.

🌹 Rose Buds & Petals

• Rose petals are not only beautiful—they’re cooling, calming, and full of natural antioxidants.
• They promote skin health and add a gentle floral scent to the coop that your hens will love.
• A soothing treat during the summer molting season.

🌺 Hibiscus

• Rich in vitamin C and cooling in nature, hibiscus is a refreshing herb that supports immune function and hydration.
• It adds a pop of color to dust baths and is safe for your flock to nibble.

🌼 Lemon Balm

• Lemon balm has mild calming effects, which help reduce heat-induced stress in hens.
• It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties—perfect for keeping your flock resilient during summer challenges.

🌿 Peppermint

• Naturally cooling and invigorating, peppermint can help lower body temperature in the heat.
• It also acts as an insect deterrent and adds a crisp, refreshing scent to your coop or dust bath area.

🌼 Chamomile

• Gentle and soothing, chamomile helps relax tense muscles and nerves, which is especially helpful when hens are panting or agitated from heat.
• It also has anti-inflammatory properties and supports skin health.

These herbs aren’t just beneficial—they’re a treat for the senses, too! Your hens will enjoy the soft petals, refreshing scents, and calming vibes that come with every sprinkle.

✅ How to Use Herbs for Your Laying Hens

Using herbs in your backyard flock routine is easier than you might think. Here are several tried-and-true methods that I use in my own coop:

🪺 In Nesting Boxes

• Sprinkle a handful of Nesting Box Herbs on top of fresh bedding weekly.
• Change out bedding and herbs more often during wet or humid weather to keep boxes dry and inviting.
• Great for broody hens too—these herbs keep the space calm and clean.

🌿 In Dust Baths

• Mix dried herbs into your chickens’ favorite dust bathing spot.
• Use Cooling Herbs in summer, or Nesting Box Herbs for general pest protection.
• Helps keep mites and lice away naturally and adds enrichment.

🥬 As Fresh Treats

• Chickens love fresh herbs! Offer clippings of parsley, mint, and dandelion leaf for them to nibble.
• You can also chop fresh herbs and mix them into wet feed.
• Remember: herbs are a supplement, not a main feed—moderation is key.

🌸 Hang Herbal Bundles in the Coop

• Tie bundles of dried rosemary, mint, or lavender from coop rafters.
• This freshens the air, deters flies, and adds visual interest for your hens.

🧼 Coop Clean-Out Ritual

• When doing your weekly deep clean, toss some Nesting Box Herbs under fresh bedding, in corners, and near roosting areas.
• It makes the whole coop smell incredible—and keeps pests away too.

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🛍️ Make It Easy With Pre-Mixed Herbal Blends

Not everyone has the time or garden space to grow, harvest, and dry nine different herbs—that’s why I created my Nesting Box Herbs and Cooling Herbs blends. They’re ready to use, made with love, and perfect for backyard flocks.

👉 Shop Nesting Box Herbs

👉 Shop Cooling Herbs

Each pouch is hand-mixed using only the highest-quality herbs—no fillers or dust. Your hens will feel the difference (and so will you!).

🧠 The Mind-Body Connection: How Calm Hens Lay More Eggs

It might sound a little “out there,” but just like humans, chickens thrive when they feel safe and at peace. A stressed hen is more likely to hide her eggs, stop laying, or even pick at her flock mates. When your hens feel calm, comfortable, and secure, their bodies stay in balance—and that means more consistent egg production.

Herbs play a big role in supporting this mind-body balance.

🌿 Herbs That Soothe the Nervous System

Certain herbs help calm your chickens’ nervous systems, especially during times of stress like:

• Changes in weather
• New flock members
• Predator pressure
• Broodiness or molting season

Some of the best herbs for this include:

• Chamomile – Works gently to relax tension and anxiety
• Lavender – Naturally eases restlessness and nervous energy
• Marjoram – A lesser-known but powerful mood supporter
• Lemon Balm – Found in the Cooling Herbs blend, great for heat-related stress

You can even use these herbs during coop cleaning or when introducing new birds—just sprinkle a bit extra in nesting boxes or dust bath areas to help maintain peace.

🪷 Create a Spa-Like Coop Environment

This might sound funny—but creating a “spa day” vibe in your coop really does work! You don’t need anything fancy, just:

• Clean bedding
• A scoop of Nesting Box Herbs
• A little background clucking
• Maybe a watermelon slice or two on a hot day

When your hens associate their environment with safety and calm, you’ll notice they lay more reliably and show fewer signs of stress-related behaviors.

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💛 Final Thoughts: Happy Hens Lay Better Eggs

A relaxed hen is a productive hen. Using herbs in your nesting boxes, dust baths, and coop space is a simple, effective way to improve egg-laying consistency, reduce stress, and keep your hens feeling their best.

Over my 25+ years with chickens, I’ve seen firsthand how the right herbs can make a difference. And trust me—when you open the coop and it smells like a fresh garden instead of a barnyard, you’ll know it’s worth it.

Try adding just one or two of these herbal tips this week and see how your hens respond. I’d love to hear about your flock’s favorites!

Happy herbing and even happier hens! 🐓🌿