Growing a garden alongside your chicken flock is a wonderful way to provide your chickens with a varied diet and beautify your outdoor space.
But what plants can chickens eat?
In this guide, we’ll explore a range of plants both you and your chickens will enjoy. So whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced farmer, this guide is designed to help you foster a beneficial relationship between your garden and your chickens.
Reasons to Grow a Chicken Garden
Growing a chicken garden is not just a fun activity. It’s an investment in the health and happiness of your chickens.
It fosters a sustainable and natural way of farming that benefits everyone – the chickens, you, and the environment.
Here are 5 reasons to grow a chicken garden.
Save on feed costs
One of the most substantial costs when raising chickens is feed. By growing a chicken garden, you can reduce this expense.
Chickens love to forage for their food, and a garden full of nutritious plants and vegetables will provide them with a variety of dietary options.
This doesn’t mean you can eliminate commercial chicken feed since this can have negative effects on your flock’s overall health. Consistent nutrition is key when keeping healthy chickens who produce happy eggs.
But supplementing chicken feed with garden produce can make a difference to your budget.
Contribute to your chickens’ health and well-being
A chicken garden can significantly contribute to the overall health and well-being of your flock.
Fresh greens, vegetables, and herbs are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost the chickens’ immune system. A healthy chicken is a productive one, leading to better quality eggs and a robust flock.
Provide healthy food for your flock and family
A well-planned chicken garden does double duty: it not only feeds your flock but your family too!
Many plants and vegetables that are beneficial for chickens are also excellent additions to our meals. By growing these, you’re ensuring a fresh food supply for everyone.
Supply herbal remedies for common problems
Herbs offer incredible benefits for chickens. For instance, lavender helps to repel pests and has calming properties, while mint aids in digestion and deters rodents.
Planting a variety of herbs in your chicken garden means your flock can benefit from these natural remedies.
Access to natural pest controllers
Chickens love to eat bugs, slugs, and other garden pests that can wreak havoc on your plants.
By allowing your chickens to roam in the garden, they can help keep the pest population in check and reduce the need to use pesticides.
A Note on Plant Suitability
While the plants mentioned throughout this article can provide numerous benefits for your chickens and garden, it’s important to note that not all plants are suitable for all environments.
Climate, soil type, sunlight exposure, and other environmental factors can significantly impact a plant’s ability to thrive.
For instance, what grows well in a temperate climate might struggle in a tropical one, and vice versa.
Before introducing any new plants to your garden, we recommend doing some research, consulting with a local horticulturist, or visiting your local nursery to ensure that the plants you choose are appropriate for your specific growing conditions.
Additionally, you can also consult the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for more information.
This way, you can create a chicken-friendly garden that is not only productive and sustainable but also perfectly adapted to your local environment.
Plants that Thrive Inside a Chicken Run
When feeding your chickens, providing a diverse range of food choices not only keeps your flock happy but also ensures they get a balanced diet.
Let’s delve into some of the best vegetables, fruits, and other plants you can introduce to your chicken garden.
Herbs
Herbs have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties, and it turns out, they’re not just beneficial for humans. Chickens can also reap benefits from these plants.
- Basil: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, boosts the immune system, and repels insects.
- Borage: Acts as an appetite stimulant and is beneficial for feather growth and egg production.
- Calendula: Known to repel pests and can enhance the color of chicken egg yolks when consumed regularly.
- Chamomile: Has calming effects on chickens and benefits their digestive health.
- Comfrey: Rich in vitamins and minerals, promoting bone and general health.
- Dill: Known for its antioxidant properties and can aid in respiratory health.
- Fennel: Beneficial for aiding in respiratory health and egg production.
- Garlic: Boosts immunity, wards off parasites, and acts as a natural wormer.
- Lavender: Known for calming effects and is also a natural insect repellent.
- Lemon balm: Known for its calming effects on chickens and its ability to repel insects.
- Mint: Add in digestion, deter rodents, and a natural insect repellent.
- Oregano: Known to be a natural antibiotic.
- Parsley: Rich in vitamins and minerals, enhances blood vessel development and overall health.
- Rosemary: Known for its natural insect-repellent properties.
- Sage: Known to have antioxidant and anti-parasitic properties.
- Thyme: Known for its respiratory health benefits and acts as an antibacterial agent.
- Wormwood: Reputed for its natural parasite-repelling properties.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens are packed with essential nutrients and are an excellent addition to your chicken’s diet.
- Beet greens: Nutrient-rich and can help boost the immune system.
- Bok choy: Packed with vitamins and minerals, beneficial for bone and feather health.
- Cabbage: A great source of vitamins and can be used as a healthy treat.
- Collard greens: High in calcium and vitamins, excellent for bone health.
- Kale: A superfood rich in vitamins A, C, and K, ideal for chicken health.
- Lettuce: Hydrating and gentle on a chicken’s digestive system.
- Swiss chard: High in vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health and vitality.
Vegetables
Beyond leafy greens, other vegetables can provide a delicious and nutritious treat for your chickens.
- Amaranth: A nutrient-rich plant that provides essential vitamins and minerals.
- Broccoli: High in vitamins and can help enhance the immune system.
- Cauliflower: A good source of vitamins and fiber, beneficial for chicken health.
- Cucumbers: Hydrating, cooling, and gentle on a chicken’s digestive system.
- Plantains: Nutrient-dense and beneficial for digestive health.
- Squashes: High in nutrients and can serve as a healthy snack.
Legumes*
Legumes are an excellent source of protein, which is crucial for egg production and overall health.
- Alfalfa: A nutritious legume that’s high in protein and essential minerals.
- Beans: Packed with protein and fiber
- Clover: A good source of protein and vitamins.
- Lentils: High in protein and fiber, are a healthy treat when cooked or sprouted.
- Peas: Rich in protein and fiber.
*Never feed your chickens raw beans. Only give them beans when cooked or have properly sprouted.
Grains
Grains provide essential nutrients and energy for chickens, offering a variety of health benefits.
- Corn: An energy-rich grain that provides carbohydrates and is a favorite treat.
- Oats: High in fiber and beneficial nutrients.
- Wheat: Offers a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber.
Fruits
Fruit is a wonderful addition to your chicken’s diet that provides a sweet treat that’s packed with vitamins and minerals.
Plus, planting fruit trees and bushes in your chicken garden can offer shade and shelter for your flock to create a more comfortable environment.
- Blueberry bushes: A good source of vitamins A and C with antioxidant properties.
- Citrus (various types): Provide a rich source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.
- Fig trees: Offer delicious fruits and shade but require ample space due to their size.
- Guava: Known for being nutrient-rich and a good source of vitamins.
- Papaya: A tropical fruit tree that offers nutritious fruits high in vitamins.
- Raspberry bushes: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
- Strawberries: Rich in vitamin C and easily grown in containers or raised beds.
Florals
Creating a visually pleasing environment that’s also functional for your chickens can be achieved by incorporating a variety of floral plants.
These plants will also provide benefits like shade, shelter, and even pest control.
- Bee balm: A vibrant perennial that attracts pollinators and is resilient to pecking.
- Black-eyed Susan: Hardy and adds visual appeal to the garden.
- Coreopsis: Easy to grow, adds color, and is chicken-resistant.
- Daisies: Hardy, brightens the chicken area, and are usually left alone by chickens.
- Dandelion: Nutritious and a natural choice for chicken gardens.
- Echinacea: Known for health benefits and adds aesthetic value.
- Marigold: Repels pests and can enhance egg yolk color.
- Petunia: Colorful and generally chicken-resistant.
- Sunflower: Provides seeds, and shade, and is loved by chickens.
- Velvet nettle: Hardy and can withstand a bit of pecking.
- Violet: Adds color and is typically chicken-resistant.
- Zinnia: Bright and colorful, generally resistant to chicken damage.
Foliage plants
Offering both beauty and function, foliage plants add lush greenery to your chicken garden and provide various benefits for the chickens.
- Coleus: Known for its vibrant and colorful leaves, adding aesthetic value to the garden.
- Hens & Chicks: A succulent that is resilient and can withstand dry conditions.
- Hosta: Provides large, leafy greens that offer shade and can recover well from pecking.
- Lemongrass: Aromatic and can help repel insects.
- Yucca: Features sharp leaves that can deter predators and is drought-tolerant.
Vines
Vines can transform your chicken garden with their cascading growth to offer both visual appeal and practical benefits like shade and insect repellents.
- Nasturtium: An edible plant that offers both vibrant flowers and peppery leaves.
- Grape ivy: A decorative vine that can provide shade and visual interest in the garden.
- Swedish ivy: A fast-growing vine known for its lush foliage, suitable for covering spaces.
- Virginia creeper: Hardy vine that provides dense foliage, good for creating shade areas.
Shrubs
Shrubs provide structure and cover, and offer year-round beauty in your chicken garden.
- Bamboo: Fast-growing, provides shade and cover, but can be invasive.
- Butterfly bush: Attracts butterflies and beneficial insects.
- Dogwood: Ornamental shrub that offers visual interest and cover.
- Forsythia: Known for its bright yellow blooms, providing early spring color.
- Gardenia: Fragrant flowers and dense foliage, good for cover.
- Hop tree: Provides shade and is beneficial for attracting certain insects.
- Juniper: Hardy and evergreen, offering year-round cover.
- Lilacs: Fragrant and colorful, attract beneficial insects, and provide cover.
Shade trees
Shade trees are vital for creating a comfortable environment in your chicken garden, providing shelter, beauty, and ecological benefits.
- Ash: Provides good shade and grows quickly, but requires leaf cleanup in autumn.
- Elm: Known for its shade and hardiness.
- Eucalyptus: Fast-growing with a refreshing scent and unique foliage.
- Hawthorn: Offers beautiful flowers and is good for wildlife habitats.
- Madrona: Notable for its attractive bark and sturdy nature.
- Magnolia: Renowned for its large, fragrant flowers and substantial shade.
- Manzanita: Drought-resistant with a distinctive appearance.
- Pine: Evergreen, providing year-round shade and visual interest.
- Redbud: Features stunning spring blossoms, offering visual appeal.
- Sassafras: Known for its unique leaf shapes and fragrant properties.
- Willow: Fast-growing and provides ample shade, often found near water sources.
Plants to Keep Out of Reach from Chickens
While certain plants can be a wonderful addition to your chicken yard, others should be grown out of chickens’ reach.
Chickens will typically avoid eating toxic plants, but it’s best not to take any chances. Keep these plants completely out of your chicken area or ensure they’re securely fenced off.
Always supervise free-ranging chickens and be mindful of what plants are in their environment.
Potentially toxic plants
Fruits and Vegetables:
- Avocado
- Bell Peppers
- Eggplant
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Rhubarb
Flowers:
- Azalea
- Clematis
- Daffodil
- Daphne
- Foxglove
- Hydrangea
- Lupine
- Rhododendron
- Tulip
Trees and Shrubs:
- Acorns
- Apple (seeds)
- Holly
Herbs and Other Plants:
- Ferns
- Honeysuckle
- Lobella
- Mushrooms
Practical Tips for Gardening with Chickens
Maintaining a garden that coexists harmoniously with chickens requires planning and management. It’s about finding the right balance between what’s good for your chickens and what’s beneficial for your garden.
Here are some tips to help you achieve this.
Protecting certain plants
Chard, kale, lettuce, calendula, broccoli greens, and beet greens are all nutritious and beneficial plants that can be part of a chicken’s diet.
However, if left within reach, chickens may devour these plants before they’ve had a chance to fully mature.
To protect these plants, consider growing them in raised beds or containers that are too high for the chickens to reach. You can also use garden fencing or netting to create a barrier around these plants.
Another effective strategy is to plant enough for both you and your flock, and then designate certain areas or plants as being just for your chickens.
Integrating chickens into the garden
Integrating chickens into the garden is a process that requires patience and timing.
Young gardens are delicate and can be easily damaged, so it’s best to keep chickens out until the plants are more established.
On the other hand, allowing chickens into spent gardens can be beneficial. They can help control pests and provide natural fertilization to improve the health and productivity of your garden in the long run.
Seasonal Planting Strategies
A well-planned chicken garden is not just about selecting the right plants, but also about when to plant them. Seasonal planting plays an important role in ensuring optimal growth and providing maximum benefits for your chickens.
By aligning your planting schedule with the changing seasons, you can make the most of these conditions and create a flourishing garden.
Spring
Spring is often seen as the start of the gardening season. It’s an ideal time to plant a variety of vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers, foliage, vines, shrubs, and trees.
Just remember to keep young plants out of reach from your chickens until they’re fully mature.
Read Seasonal Planting Guide: Spring to Early Summer for more spring planting help.
Summer
As temperatures rise, ensure your chicken area has ample shade. Fast-growing shrubs and shade trees can provide much-needed shelter from the sun.
Read Seasonal Planting Guide: Late Summer for summer planting tips.
Autumn
Autumn is a great time to plant hardy perennials that can withstand the winter. The cooler weather and frequent rainfall in autumn can help these plants establish their roots before the winter sets in.
Read Extending Your Growing Season Into Autumn for growing in autumn.
Winter
While winter might seem like a quiet time in the garden, it’s actually an important season for planning and preparation.
Use this time to plan your garden layout for the next year, taking into account what worked well this year and what didn’t. It’s also a good time to prune many trees and shrubs, which can stimulate healthier growth in the spring.
Read Seasonal Planting Guide: Winter to Early Spring for more winter gardening tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do chickens know how to avoid poisonous plants?
Generally, chickens instinctively avoid eating toxic plants.
However, they can sometimes consume them unintentionally, especially when foraging options are limited. It’s best to keep potentially harmful plants out of their reach.
Can I put plants in my chicken run?
Yes, you can put plants in your chicken run but make sure to only choose plants that are safe for chickens to eat.
To protect these plants from being destroyed by your chickens, you can use strategies like growing them in raised beds, using garden fencing or netting, or covering the bed with hardware cloth.
Can chickens eat plants that have been sprayed with pesticides?
It’s not recommended to allow chickens to eat plants or weeds that have been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides. These chemicals can be harmful or even toxic to chickens.
Always ensure that any plants or vegetation your chickens have access to are free from these substances.
Will chickens eat the plants in my garden?
Chickens are known to peck at and scratch around in gardens, which can lead to them consuming some of your plants.
It’s important to manage your garden and chicken interaction. Allow them in more established or spent gardens for pest control and fertilization while keeping them out of young, delicate gardens.
Building a Flourishing Chicken Garden
From selecting the right mix of herbs and vegetables to understanding the importance of seasonal planting, we encourage you to experiment with these ideas and tailor them to the needs of your backyard, environment, and flock.
Soon you’ll create a unique chicken garden that reflects your care and commitment.
