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Keeping chickens is about more than just fresh eggs — it’s about creating a healthy, natural environment where your flock can thrive. One simple yet powerful way to support your chickens’ well-being is by planting the right herbs, flowers, and shrubs around their coop and run. The right plants can repel pests, support digestion, boost immunity, and even provide shade and shelter. Here are some of the best plants to grow around your chicken coop to keep your flock healthy and your yard beautiful.
🌿 1. Lavender
Lavender isn’t just lovely to look at — it’s also a natural insect repellent. Its calming scent can help reduce stress in chickens, especially during coop introductions or when temperatures spike in summer. Chickens generally won’t overeat it, and the plant thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
Benefits:
- Calming effect
- Repels flies, mites, and mosquitoes
- Safe for chickens
🌱 2. Mint (Peppermint, Spearmint, etc.)
Mint is hardy, fast-growing, and chickens love nibbling on the leaves. It’s great for digestion and repels pests like ants and rodents. However, it spreads quickly — so consider planting it in containers or bordered areas.
Benefits:
- Aids digestion
- Repels insects and rodents
- Antibacterial properties
🌼 3. Calendula (Pot Marigold)
Calendula’s bright orange and yellow flowers look gorgeous, and the petals have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Chickens love to peck at them, and they’re often used to brighten yolk color naturally.
Benefits:
- Promotes skin health
- Helps with wound healing
- Adds nutrients and color to egg yolks
🌾 4. Comfrey
Comfrey is a powerhouse plant — rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It grows fast and comes back year after year. Chickens enjoy foraging on the leaves, and it’s also a great addition to compost heaps thanks to its high nitrogen content.
Benefits:
- High nutritional value
- Supports feather growth and healing
- Easy to grow and harvest
🍃 5. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is part of the mint family and offers similar pest-repelling benefits with a sweet citrus scent. It also has a calming effect, helping nervous or broody hens.
Benefits:
- Reduces anxiety and stress
- Supports immune health
- Attracts pollinators
🧄 6. Garlic Chives
Garlic chives add a subtle garlic flavor to your chickens’ diet and can help deter internal parasites. They’re also a natural antibiotic and support respiratory health.
Benefits:
- Antibacterial and antiparasitic
- Supports respiratory system
- Easy to grow in beds or containers
☀️ Bonus Tip: Use Plants for Natural Shade
If your coop is in a sunny area, plant sunflowers, berry bushes, or even grapevines nearby. They’ll provide shade, food, and foraging fun for your chickens — a win-win!
Final Thoughts
Adding plants to your chicken coop area not only improves your flock’s health but also turns your coop into a vibrant, functional garden space. Choose a mix of herbs, flowers, and shrubs to promote a balanced environment that looks great and benefits your birds all year long.
