Herbal tea for chickens

Herbal tea for chickens? Is just a handful of grain not enough? I think it's time to admit that as an author of award winning cookbooks I have more talent for feeding animals than cooking for people. And if you own chickens, it's high time you adopt this idea: your backyard chickens will thank you forever for it and as a cook, you can't fail.

Why herbal tea?

We almost always let our chickens enjoy what we make ourselves that day, of course only what they are allowed to eat, such as rice, spinach, some fruit or a piece of bread, apart from their regular grain. But recently, in the winter month of January, I decided to give them a big bowl of (flower infused) cooled down herbal tea several times a week, thus increasing their nutrients and hopefully health. And really, the love it (video below)! They pick the flowers and herbs and drink the herbal tea. The ingredients differ every time, depending on what I grow, still find in the garden or used for our own meals. I hardly find any leftovers in their tea-bowl.

And when I'm in a very cozy mood and need a break, we drink tea together. We ‘cluck’ through the day, update each other on the latest gossip and go our separate ways again.

Need inspiration?

Basil, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Oregano, Calendula, Thyme, Mint, Parsley, Sage to name a few! But also (dried) Nettle or Camomile, are enjoyed. Depending on the season, there are a lot of healthy treats ready to be picked or dried.