Herbs In Your Chicken Nests???

     Why yes it is a great idea. Fresh or dried herbs in your nesting boxes not only work as insecticides, but also have anti-bacterial properties, and can act as natural wormers, anti-parasitics, insecticides, rodent control, stress relievers and laying stimulants.  They will help a laying hen feel safe and relaxed while she is sitting, and calm a broody hen, as well as repel rodents, flies and other parasites. Plus they look so pretty !

      They will also benefit newly hatched chicks.  Research has shown that wild birds will line their nests with fresh herbs and flowers, especially those that contain essential oils. The newly hatched baby birds benefit by rubbing against these herbs in the first few days of life.  Same applies to baby chicks. The chicks will also eat some of the herbs, thereby garnering even more health benefits from them.

Here is a partial list of common herbs and flowers and their beneficial properties:

Basil - antibacterial, mucus membrane health
Catnip - sedative, insecticide
Cilantro - antioxidant, fungicide, builds strong bones, high in Vitamin A for vision and Vitamin K for blood clotting
Dill - antioxidant, relaxant, respiratory health
Fennel -laying stimulant
Garlic - laying stimulant
Lavender - stress reliever, increases blood circulation, highly aromatic, insecticide
Lemon Balm - stress reliever, antibacterial, highly aromatic, rodent repellent
Marigold - laying stimulant
Marjoram - lay stimulant
Mint (all kinds) - insecticide and rodent repellent
Nasturtium - laying stimulant, antiseptic, antibiotic, insecticide, wormer
Oregano - combats coccidia, salmonella, infectious bronchitis, avian flu, blackhead and e-coli
Parsley - high in vitamins, aids in blood vessel development, laying stimulant
Peppermint - anti-parasitic, insecticide
Pineapple Sage - aids nervous system, highly aromatic
Rose Petals - highly aromatic, high in Vitamin C
Rosemary - pain relief, respiratory health, insecticide
Sage - antioxidant, anti-parasitic
Spearmint - antiseptic, insecticide, stimulates nerve, brain and blood functions
Tarragon - antioxidant
Thyme - respiratory health, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-parasitic
Read more: Grit Article on Herbs in Chicken Nests

Our New Google+ Page

Okay so for all of our loyal fans we now have a Google+ page for the farm as well as a Facebook Page. Hopefully  between the two of these everyone can follow us completely. Please go check it out and add us to your circle if you are on Google+. Just search for Hearts Haven Heritage Farm.

Our Farm Page

We now have a website up and running for our homestead. It can be found here Hearts Haven Heritage Farm. Also if you would like to visit our facebook or google+ page please click the links below.


Facebook

Google+

Meat Rabbits

So thanks to a lady in Huntsville, AR we have started our meat herd. We now have four Chocolate Satins, 2 does and 2 bucks. 

Hearts Haven Heritage Farm Donations

     We are now taking donations for the farm to help with the cost of acquiring the needed equipment and fencing to start taking in unwanted farm animals until new permanent homes can be found for them. If you are interested in making a donation please let us know that you are doing so that way we can keep you updated and add you to our list of thank yous on our donation page. 

     All donations can be made to one the following PayPal email addresses;  kdean1229@gmail.com or jdean1229@gmail.com or by texting a Green-dot Moneypak number to 318-268-6234.