Have you ever wondered if you can use essential oils for chickens? The answer is yes! We use essential oils to repel insects, soothe injuries, and support healthy immune function for our laying hens. Here’s a list of our favorite essential oils for chickens.
Can chickens be around essential oils?
Pure essential oils, the fragrant plant extracts used in aromatherapy, are powerful natural remedies for what ails human or beast, including chickens, and it’s easy to learn to use them with your flock. The use of aromatic oils as medications stretches back through antiquity.
Will peppermint oil harm chickens?
However, it is unsafe to use essential oils around chickens at all because ingestion can be toxic, if not fatal. Mint planted around or placed inside the chicken coop does not discourage rodents because the scent is not strong enough to offend or alarm them.
What essential oils do chickens hate?
Cinnamon, paprika, garlic, chiles, chives, mint, marigolds, lavender and citrus can keep chickens away from desired spaces.
Is eucalyptus oil poisonous to chickens?
While not toxic itself, Eucalyptus leaves can harbor Aspergillosis spores (a dangerous fungus that can cause death in various types of birds, including chickens and ducks). Also full-strength eucalyptus oil is toxic to both humans and animals.
Is tea tree oil toxic for chickens?
Tea Tree Oil is considered to be toxic when taken by mouth.
This applies to birds, animals and humans.
Is rosemary essential oil safe for chickens?
There are at least 20 essential oils currently used in chicken (poultry) production which are considered safe.
Top 20 Essential Oils Used in Chicken (Poultry) Production.
| Essential Oil | Botanical Name |
|---|---|
| Orange | Citrus sinensis |
| Oregano | Origanum vulgare |
| Peppermint | Mentha piperita |
| Rosemary | Rosmarinus officinalis |
Is lavender poisonous to chickens?
Growing some lavender bushes around the doors to your chicken coop can help. The chickens may try to eat it and that’s fine – it’s not harmful.
What does peppermint do for chickens?
Mint helps repels insects and rodents
We dry our excess mint leaves to use in the coop throughout the year. You can also hang bundles of mint inside the coop or run to deter pests. Mint can be used to freshen up a nesting box and the scent helps stimulate laying.
What essential oil kills chicken mites?
Spray down your coop with eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, peppermint, basil, and cinnamon bark essential oils. All of these essential oils have been proven to have anti-parasitic effects when used topically. You can make this spray by placing 45 drops of each oil into a 16 oz. glass water bottle.
Can I put lavender in chicken coop?
Adding some lavender leaves or flowers to your nesting boxes helps keep insects of all kinds away and will also help your coop stay smelling fresh. Lavender is a natural stress reliever which can be beneficial to laying and sitting hens.
What smell do chickens hate?
Chickens hate strong, bitter smells from fragrant herbs and spices like garlic, paprika, chilies, citrus, curry powder, and cinnamon. Chickens also have an aversion to unfamiliar smells. Adding new herbs and spices along your garden’s border can help keep the chickens out.
Is lemongrass safe for chickens?
We carry dried lemongrass in the store here and it’s also a main ingredient in PestsBGone, which I developed specifically to keep pests away in coops. Both of these are the same herbs I use in my own backyard chicken flock’s nesting boxes so they’re happy and lay great eggs.
Can I put oregano essential oil in my chickens water?
Oregano essential oil has powerful anti-microbial properties and is an amazing boost to the immune system of our chickens. For chickens, all you need to do is add ONE drop of oregano essential oil to about a gallon of water, mix it up slightly, and your birds will continue to mix it as they drink their water.
Is citronella essential oil safe for chickens?
Citronella essential oil mixed with carrier oil
Not everyone wants to use essential oils on their chickens – and that’s fine. If you DO use oils on your flock, citronella essential oil is GREAT to quickly apply to your flock if they’re REALLY bothered by gnats, flies, mosquitoes, etc and are completely miserable.
Is citronella oil safe for chickens?
Citronella is safe for chickens and is great for keeping bugs away – particularly mosquitoes. Put a few potted citronella plants in the coop.
Is cedarwood oil safe for chickens?
Cedar Oil And Birds
Cedar bedding and cedar oil are known to irritate birds’ delicate respiratory systems, and at high doses, can actually kill them. Birds are especially vulnerable to strong scents—like those found in essential oils, candles, and manufactured fragrances.
Is cinnamon good for chickens?
Since chickens have such complex breathing systems and are so susceptible to respiratory issues, adding cinnamon to their diet is extremely beneficial.
What is a natural antibiotic for chickens?
Several months ago, the New York Times that commercial chicken processor, Bell & Evans, has been studying oregano as a natural antibiotic for their chickens. They have found that oregano oil and cinnamon specifically seem to work best at keeping pathogens at bay.
How do you use essential oils for chickens?
Use Citrus Essential Oils for Cleaning
Allow the damp areas to dry completely before adding the clean shavings. You can also use this mixture to clean and disinfect feed bowls, water founts, cages, and the chicken crate used as a hospital for your sick or injured birds. Rinse well before re-using.
Is lemon balm good for chickens?
Good for your Hens
As well as relieving stress and promoting calm among our chickens, Lemon Balm is full of antibacterial properties, and also a great all natural rodent repellent. To make sure you can harness all of this goodness for your girls, lay some fresh Lemon Balm in their nesting boxes.
Marilyn Medina is a food expert with over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry. She has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton and The French Laundry.
What makes Marilyn stand out from other chefs is her unique approach to cooking. She believes that food should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget or dietary restrictions. Her recipes are simple, delicious, and healthy – perfect for anyone who wants to cook like a pro!