Garden Surplus & Your Flock in the Summer Heat

Refreshing Minted Cucumber Water for the Flock- Straight from the Garden

Pringle & Sunny

In Virginia, the summer is in full swing, and we’ve been having some daggone hot weather!  My cucumbers are also thriving and upon returning from vacation I had about 50 cukes to pick.  I love cucumbers, and so do my chooks!  A quick and refreshing way to provide your flock with a cooling treat is to slice up a few cukes, add a handful of mint, a large amount of ice and water to a bowl and let them enjoy.  The mint, while I’m not 100% sure if it’s scientifically proven, seems to provide a cooling effect if added to their water or provided with their treats.  Even if it doesn't, the chickens seem to enjoy mint in general. My flock loves this treat and with the cucumbers and mint being immersed in the water, they also drink more and stay hydrated during the dog days of the summer season.

Bee Balm is a great herb for the flock

If you have fresh herbs, the heat of the summer is a great time to hang bunches in your coop to not only help deter those pesky flies but also serve as a nesting box additive once the herbs have dried completely.  I like to hang lavender, sage, and oregano throughout the coop, then crumble into the nest boxes or in the dust bathing areas when dried.  You can keep repeating this all summer and could save the dried herbs as well to provide over the barren winter months.  It’s a win-win hack!

Be Eggcellent,

Head Hen Rachel