The bee balm is a perennial plant in the mint family. It was given this name because it produces a nectar that is attractive to bees. This plant can grow to be up to 2 feet tall and has small purple flowers that bloom from July through September. The leaves are oval-shaped and can grow up to 4 inches long. The bee balm is native to the eastern United States, but can also be found in parts of Canada, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
If you have bee balm growing in your yard or garden, you may wonder if you can feed your chickens.
Yes, chickens can eat bee balm both fresh and dried. Bee balm offers many benefits for the chickens. It helps the chickens by aiding in the digestive tract and respiratory health. Due to their antiseptic and antibacterial agent, it provides a calming and healthy environment for the hens to lay eggs.
Is Bee Balm Toxic to Chickens?
Bee balm itself doesn’t contain any toxins so it’s safe for chickens to eat.
However, the area where it’s grown can make bee balm toxic to the chickens. If you use fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals in your yard or garden, the bee balm can be contaminated with the chemicals.
As the chickens eat the plant, these chemicals will be absorbed by their body and could cause them health issues.
To prevent any health issues for your chickens, make sure the bee balm is free of any chemicals.
The Benefits of Bee Balm For Chickens
The benefits of bee balm for chickens are many. It has been used for centuries to help with a variety of ailments.
Bee balm is also known as monarda and it is in the mint family. It is native to North America and can grow up to three feet tall. The plant produces bright red flowers that bloom from July to September.
This herb has been used for centuries by humans, but it can be used by chickens too! Some farmers have found that adding bee balm to their chicken feed helps the chickens stay healthy and happy throughout the winter months when they would otherwise be less active.
Can Baby Chickens Eat Bee Balm?
Yes, but only if they are less than 3 weeks old. Bee balm is not good food for baby chickens because it can cause digestive problems.
Once the chicks are about 3 weeks old, you can start to feed them bee balm. You can either choose to let them free roam and pick the bee balm from the yard or pick them yourself and feed them.
If their mother is around, she will teach them how to eat it.
When feeding them bee balm, be sure to only let them each a small amount of it. Too much of it will cause stomach issues. Also, be sure to provide them with plenty of grits. The grits will help break down the bee balm.
How Do You Feed Bee Balm To Your Chickens
When it comes to bee balm, you can either let them each the bee balm from the yard or pick it and feed it to them.
Whichever option you choose, be sure that the bee balm is fresh. The fresher it is the more nutrition it will contain.
If you decide to let your chickens eat from the yard, be sure it has not been treated with any fertilizers, pesticides, or any other chemicals. A small amount of the chemicals could cause harm to your chickens. In large amounts, it can be fatal to them.
If you want to feed bee balm to them, it’s best to pick fresh ones and cut them into smaller pieces first. This will make it easier for them to eat and digest it.
How Often Can Chickens Eat Bee Balm?
Chickens need a varied diet that includes protein, calcium, and other nutrients. Bee balm is not a food that will supply all the nutrients that the chicken needs. Feeding them just bee balm or too much of it will cause them more harm than good.
Therefore, it’s best to feed bee balm to them in moderation. This means a small amount of the plant at each feeding and once or twice per week.
Conclusion
Bee balm can be naturally found in your yards and garden. While the plant is safe for the chickens to eat, it can be harmful to them if it’s grown in an area that’s been treated with pesticides and other chemicals. To be sure you’re chickens aren’t affected when eating bee balm, make sure it’s free of any chemicals.
