I am so excited to share this week’s blog with you all! I feel there are so many questions in the backyard chicken world about essential oils. What essential oils should I use? Are all essential oils created equal? Can I overfeed essential oils to my flock? Well, guess what? I got to sit down and talk with Dr. Tim Broderick from the Strong Animals team and ask some of the questions you all have!
1. What are the benefits of organic oregano essential oil for backyard chickens?
Oregano essential oil is a natural extract of the oregano plant. While most people are likely familiar with oregano as a flavoring agent, the oils contained in the plant possess multiple properties that are beneficial to animal health! Oregano essential oils are concentrated with natural chemical compounds produced by the plant, mainly carvacrol and thymol, that give the oil its functionality. These properties include antimicrobial activity, antioxidant properties, modulation of the immune system, and even antiviral activity! Backyard chickens encounter daily stressors such as parasites, sudden temperature changes, or exposure to pathogens which can occasionally lead to disease within a flock. The beneficial properties in oregano essential oils can help mitigate these challenges naturally, while also supporting the bird’s own defense mechanisms. By utilizing oregano and other essential oils, backyard chicken keepers can help maintain their flock’s daily health and help them overcome periods of stress.
2. Are all essential oils created equally?
Essential oils are produced naturally by plants to prevent disease, repel insects, or even attract pollinators. Scientists are able to characterize these beneficial properties and apply them to human and animal health. Just like different chicken breeds have unique characteristics, each essential oil possesses its own blend of natural compounds. Some oils are more potent antimicrobials whereas others may act primarily as antioxidants or promote sensory characteristics like smell and taste. We work to determine which oils or blends of oils possess properties that are beneficial in helping solve the challenges of backyard chicken owners.
3. Is it possible to use too much oregano essential oil with my chickens?
As the saying goes, it is possible to have too much of a good thing! Some of the components of oregano essential oil that provide its benefits in small amounts can be harmful to the animal or cause avoidance if consumed in very high concentrations. Products formulated by Strong Animals for your flock are based upon years of research to ensure there is a benefit for the animal but also to guarantee the product will not be harmful. That being said, it’s important to follow all directions on the label or consult with your veterinarian or the manufacturer if you plan on including an essential oil product at higher doses.
4. How do our products come alongside backyard chicken keepers in raising healthy chickens?
Strong Animals products are designed to support backyard chicken keepers from chick to coop. We got our start by being able to utilize a diverse array of natural essential oils and prebiotics to help support flock health and have continued to develop innovative products to help alleviate some of the challenges associated with raising chickens.
5. Are our products safe for all poultry? What about wild poultry?
Our products are safe for all classes of poultry, including chickens, ducks, turkeys and guineafowl. These products can also be implemented safely across different housing conditions such as birds kept in a coop or those allowed to free range. However, it is important to remember that songbirds and parrots are not considered under this classification. Anyone using these products for cagebirds should consult with a professional first.
Thanks Dr. Broderick! We appreciate your insight and knowledge on this subject. I think that’s the thing I love most about Strong Animal Chicken Essentials, the amount of time, research and energy that goes into making sure your flocks are getting the best possible nutrition, digestion, and immune support possible!
All Strong Animals Chicken Essential products are now available on Amazon or in farm and ranch supply store near you!
Stay tuned for the essential oils we’ll go over in the coming months!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady