If you’re looking to add some more beauty to your chicken coop but aren’t sure where to start, we can help! The toughest part about decorating your backyard is finding plants and other decor that are safe for your feathered friends. As explorative animals, your flock may try to have a bite or two of any plants you grow around them. That is why it’s important to plant herbs and vegetation that are hen-approved! So we’ve compiled a list of the top plants that will add some color to your coop without putting your flock in any danger. Learn what you can grow in your garden that’s both beautiful and chicken-friendly below!
Herbs
Any part of a plant is considered an herb, such as: the roots, seeds, root bark, flower, inner bark, resin, and pericarp. Though herbs are typically used fresh, they can also be preserved in oil or dried for later use. These nutrient-packed plants come with a variety of health benefits when added to your diet, which makes planting herbs more than just a color boost. Don’t just go to the store and buy any herb to plant though, since some herbs are not safe for your chickens to nibble on. You can safely plant these items near the coop for easy access to enhance your meals:
- Dandelions
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Oregano
- Basil
- Nettles
- Thyme
- Fennel
- Comfrey
- Wormwood
- Chickweed
- Nasturtium
Vegetables & Grains
These vegetables and grains add color to your coop while providing you with the best ingredients for your meals! Along with being good for you, many vegetables and grains are also safe for your flock to eat. So you can get your coop garden started with some or all of the items below:
- Plantain
- Rhubarb
- Squash
- Garlic
- Asparagus
- Alfalfa
- Clover
- Sunflower
- Onions
- Leeks
- Lentils
- Peas
- Beans
- Legumes
- Amaranth
We hope you’re considering adding at least one plant to your yard after reading this! The addition of plants helps make your yard and coop more cozy, along with providing health benefits you’ll be thankful for. Chickens are curious creatures, so you are always welcome to put a fence around your garden if your flock won’t leave it alone. Additionally, make sure you keep any plants you grow for consumption free from pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals can cause damage to you and your flock if ingested, so use caution when choosing where to plant. So if you’re looking to take on a new hobby this year that you and your chickens can enjoy, gardening is certainly a great option!