At Herb Fed Poultry, we’re passionate about all things poultry. But have you ever wondered if herb fed chickens have preferences – specifically when it comes to herbs? As one of the UK’s leading free range poultry producers, we know that the health and happiness of our chickens play a key role in producing the best quality poultry. In this blog, we explore whether chickens can really have favourite herbs, the science behind their preferences, and how herbs contribute to their wellbeing.
It may sound surprising, but herb fed chickens do have preferences when it comes to herbs and plants! Just like humans, chickens have the ability to taste and smell, and research has shown that they can detect specific compounds in plants that are beneficial to their health.
Chickens are naturally curious creatures, and they love to explore their environment. When free-ranging, they will often peck at and nibble on a wide variety of plants and herbs. But do they actually have favourite herbs? The answer is yes! Chickens can display preferences for specific herbs based on their sensory experiences.
Chickens have a well-developed sense of taste and smell, which allows them to distinguish between different herbs. Their keen sense of smell helps them identify the scents of plants that may be beneficial or even medicinal. Some studies have found that chickens tend to prefer herbs with strong scents or flavours, such as oregano, mint, and thyme. These herbs not only offer sensory enjoyment but also provide health benefits.
Herbs like oregano and garlic are known for their antioxidant properties, while mint can aid digestion and soothe the stomach. This is exactly why we incorporate these herbs into their chickens’ diet or environment to boost their health. The right herbs can help with digestion, improve respiratory health, and even prevent certain diseases in poultry. As a result, chickens may naturally gravitate toward these plants to enhance their well-being.
Oregano is not only a popular culinary herb but also a powerful antioxidant. Studies have shown that oregano can support the immune system of chickens, protecting them from infections and promoting overall health. Chickens love its strong scent, and it’s often a herb that they’ll seek out when given the choice.
Mint is another herb that chickens tend to love. It has a cooling effect and is often used to aid digestion. Mint can also help repel insects and pests, creating a more comfortable living environment for your flock. We’ve noticed that our chickens enjoy pecking at fresh mint leaves, especially in the warmer months.
Thyme is known for its antibacterial properties and can help support respiratory health in poultry. It’s also an excellent herb for promoting a healthy digestive system. Thyme’s scent is quite pungent, and chickens often enjoy pecking at it when it’s available in their environment.
While we don’t offer Lavender, is it famous for its calming properties, and it can help reduce stress and anxiety in chickens. When chickens are less stressed, they are generally healthier, and their productivity can improve. Lavender’s soothing aroma makes it a popular choice to promote calm and healthy flocks.
At Herb Fed Poultry, we’re proud of our commitment to sustainable and natural farming practices. We believe that Herb Fed poultry are not only healthier but also produce better-tasting meat. Incorporating herbs like oregano, mint, and garlic into the diet and environment of our chickens helps ensure that they lead healthier, happier lives.
We use herbs both in the chickens’ feed (along with cereals) and as part of their free-range environment to encourage natural foraging behaviours. This creates a more holistic approach to farming, ensuring our chickens live the best lives possible while contributing to the delicious, flavourful poultry that you enjoy at your table.
We believe that by integrating nature’s best into our chickens’ diets, we’re not only improving their quality of life, but also promoting a healthier, environmentally friendly farming system. That’s why we’re so grateful to Herbs Unlimited, a local herb farm, for supplying us with an incredible variety of fresh, Yorkshire-grown herbs.
Through our unique approach, we offer around 10 fresh herbs in our chickens’ diet, ensuring they benefit from the natural goodness these plants offer. It’s a win-win for both our birds and the planet!
Herbs Unlimited, founded by Edward’s aunt, Alison Dodd, and now run by Alison’s son Philip, has been supplying the food industry with high-quality, fresh herbs for years. From parsley and chives to dill, thyme, fennel, tarragon, and even chili and marjoram, the farm offers a wide range of herbs that are not only packed with flavour but also full of natural nutrients that support our chickens’ health.
We’re incredibly proud of this family connection and the ongoing relationship with Herbs Unlimited, who help us ensure that our chickens receive the very best ingredients in their diet. It’s all part of our commitment to growing, raising, and sourcing responsibly—and it’s something we’re deeply passionate about!
So, do chickens have favourite herbs? Absolutely! Chickens not only enjoy the taste and smell of certain herbs but can also benefit from their health-boosting properties. By including herbs in their diet and environment, we promote the wellbeing of our flocks while ensuring the highest-quality poultry for our customers.
If you’re interested in purchasing the best free-range chicken in the UK, raised with love and care at Herb Fed Poultry, head over to our shop to explore our range of products.
