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Herbs in Coops and Laying Boxes

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2017 5:19 pm
by KimChick
Does anyone use any herbs other than the culinary sort in coops and laying boxes?
I am thinking of 2 in particular: wormwood and santolina.
I have found a little info online re: wormwood and people using it, but not santolina. Both are used in potpourris and hung in closets to deter moths, etc.
Thanks.

Re: Herbs in Coops and Laying Boxes

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2017 5:33 pm
by Killerbunny
Maximus used to know all that stuff but I don't think she's on line these days?

Re: Herbs in Coops and Laying Boxes

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2017 9:13 pm
by Jaye
I just use herbs that are supposed to keep unwanted visitors away, and are supposed to be calming for the hens mostly: peppermint, thyme, calendula, oregano, chamomile, lavender, sage, and whatever other herbs are growing well at the moment. I dry it out and throw it in whenever I clean up and top up the bedding.
I have no experience with the herbs you mentioned.

Re: Herbs in Coops and Laying Boxes

Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2017 2:29 pm
by KimChick
Thanks everyone.
For the past 2 yrs., I have had no success in growing chamomile from seed. Grrrr. But I will never give up.
This is what I ended up mixing together with some course shavings to put in laying boxes with straw: cut up some lavender, thyme, sage, mint, lemon verbena, and a bit of wormwood (artemisia). Then in the corners of the coops, I put sprigs of mint and anise hyssop, another type of mint.
The hens are good with it, since all of the laying boxes were occupied today. :-)
I should also mention that the herbs were fresh from my garden. Next time, I will put in some yarrow and borage. When I have enough to spare, there is also lemon balm and bee balm.