Herbs are a wonderful addition to a chicken’s diet, and one that often comes up is lemon balm. The good news is yes, chickens can eat lemon balm safely. In fact, this fragrant herb is not only edible but also beneficial—it’s known to help calm chickens, repel pests, and even boost immunity.
Quick Picks: Best Herb & Treat Alternatives
If you don’t have fresh lemon balm growing in your garden, these safe alternatives provide similar benefits for flock health:
- Happy Hen Treats Mealworm Frenzy – Best Protein Boost
- Manna Pro Poultry Treats – Best Balanced Supplement
- Purina Flock Block Poultry Supplement – Best Premium Enrichment
Buyer’s Guide: Feeding Lemon Balm to Chickens
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a safe and useful herb for backyard poultry. Here’s why it’s a good choice:
- Safe & edible: Both fresh and dried leaves are safe for chickens.
- Natural calming effect: Known for reducing stress and restlessness.
- Pest deterrent: Its strong citrus scent helps repel insects like flies and mosquitoes.
- Immune support: Rich in antioxidants and essential oils.
- Flexible use: Can be added to feed, scattered in the run, or placed in nesting boxes.
Can Chickens Eat Lemon Balm?
Yes—lemon balm is safe and beneficial for chickens. While they may not devour it as eagerly as mealworms or fruit, chickens will peck at the leaves. Many keepers also use lemon balm as a coop herb for its pest-control and calming effects.
Ways to use lemon balm for chickens:
- Scatter fresh leaves in the run for foraging
- Add to nesting boxes for a calming effect
- Mix dried lemon balm into feed
- Grow lemon balm near the coop for natural pest control
Detailed Reviews: Best Alternatives to Fresh Lemon Balm
Happy Hen Treats Mealworm Frenzy
Who it’s for: Flock owners wanting a protein-rich snack to balance herbs.
- 100% natural dried mealworms
- Boosts egg laying and feather quality
- Long shelf life
Pros: High protein, flock favorite, easy to store.
Cons: May be eaten too quickly by large flocks.
Final Verdict: Best protein supplement to go with fresh herbs. Check price here.
Manna Pro Poultry Treats
Who it’s for: Keepers who want a balanced grain and protein mix.
- Nutritious treat for daily use
- Supports overall flock health
- Encourages natural pecking
Pros: Safe, balanced, and convenient.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than homegrown herbs.
Final Verdict: Great supplement to leafy greens and herbs. See details.
Purina Flock Block Poultry Supplement
Who it’s for: Larger coops needing enrichment and supplemental nutrition.
- 25 lb block with grains and minerals
- Keeps chickens busy for days
- Encourages natural pecking habits
Pros: Nutritious, long-lasting, boredom-busting.
Cons: Heavy and premium-priced.
Final Verdict: Excellent enrichment option. View on Amazon.
Comparison Table
| Name | Key Features | Specs/Capacity | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Hen Mealworm Frenzy | High protein dried mealworms | 10 oz bag | View Price |
| Manna Pro Poultry Treats | Balanced protein & grains | 2 lb bag | View Price |
| Purina Flock Block | Grain & mineral enrichment block | 25 lb block | View Price |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lemon balm safe for chickens?
Yes, lemon balm is completely safe and even beneficial for chickens.
Can lemon balm be used in nesting boxes?
Yes, placing fresh or dried lemon balm in nesting boxes helps calm hens and repel pests.
Do chickens like eating lemon balm?
Some will peck at it happily, while others may ignore it. It’s useful even if uneaten because of its pest-repelling scent.
What other herbs are good for chickens?
Mint, oregano, basil, parsley, and thyme are all safe and beneficial for poultry.
Conclusion
Chickens can eat lemon balm safely, and it offers more than just nutrition—it can calm hens, repel pests, and support their health. Whether fed directly, dried into feed, or placed in nesting boxes, lemon balm is a valuable herb for backyard chicken keepers.
Special Note for Chicken Coop Owners
Want a healthier flock and better egg production? This complete guide will help: