Top 5 Indoor Plants That Chickens Will Love

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If you’re looking to boost the well-being of your backyard flock—even when they’re cooped up indoors—consider bringing some greenery into their environment. Chickens are instinctively drawn to the outdoors, where they can forage, peck, and scratch for food. By introducing the right indoor plants, you not only offer them a taste of the outside world but also provide extra nutrition and mental stimulation. Several common houseplants and herbs are safe, easy to grow indoors, and can enrich your chickens’ daily routine. Below are five great options that thrive inside and can help keep your flock healthy and entertained.

1. Herbs: Nutritious Nibbles and Natural Remedies

Basil

Basil is more than just a kitchen staple—it’s also a chicken favorite. The fragrant leaves are irresistible to most hens, who will eagerly peck at fresh sprigs. Basil is rich in vitamins A, K, and C and is packed with antioxidants that can help support your chickens’ immune health. Additionally, basil contains essential oils that may act as natural insect repellents, potentially keeping pests like flies away from your indoor coop. You can grow basil in pots on a sunny windowsill; regular harvesting encourages bushier growth, ensuring a steady supply for both your kitchen and your flock.

Oregano

Oregano stands out for its powerful health benefits. Scientific studies have shown that oregano contains compounds such as carvacrol and thymol, known for their antibacterial and antiviral properties (Botsoglou et al., 2002). Including fresh oregano in your chickens’ diet may help reduce the risk of certain infections and support overall immunity. Chickens tend to enjoy the robust flavor, and snacking on oregano can break up the monotony of commercial feed. Growing oregano indoors is simple, and a little goes a long way—just snip off a few sprigs and offer them to your birds as a treat.

2. Grasses: Foraging Fun and Nutritional Boost

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering chickens a fresh source of chlorophyll, fiber, and essential vitamins such as A, C, and E. It’s particularly valuable during the winter months, when free-ranging is limited and fresh greens are scarce. Chickens benefit from the roughage wheatgrass provides, which can aid digestion and promote gut health. Growing wheatgrass is as easy as sprinkling seeds in a shallow tray and placing it in a sunny spot; within a week, you’ll have lush shoots ready for your flock to graze on. Allowing chickens to forage on wheatgrass mimics their natural behaviors and can help reduce stress and boredom.

Barley Grass

Barley grass is another excellent choice for indoor chicken gardens. Like wheatgrass, it’s rich in fiber and loaded with vitamins and minerals, including folate, potassium, and magnesium. The act of pecking and foraging at fresh barley grass can keep chickens physically and mentally engaged, which is especially important in confined environments. Barley grass is quick to sprout and can be grown in rotation with wheatgrass for variety. Regular access to these fresh greens supports healthy feather growth and can enhance yolk color in eggs.

3. Edible Flowers: A Colorful Treat

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are more than just pretty accents for your windowsill—they’re a functional addition to any indoor garden. These vibrant orange, red, and yellow blooms not only brighten up your living space, but they also serve as a natural health booster for your chickens. Rich in vitamin C, nasturtiums help strengthen immune systems, making your flock more resilient to illness. The natural antifungal compounds found in their leaves and petals have even been studied for their protective effects, meaning you’re not just offering a treat, but a preventative health supplement. Chickens enjoy both the peppery-tasting leaves and the mild, slightly sweet flowers, so you can feel good knowing every part of the plant is appreciated and nothing goes to waste. Nasturtiums are also easy to grow indoors, requiring only moderate sunlight and regular watering, making them perfect for gardeners of all skill levels.

Calendula

Calendula, with its golden, daisy-like petals, is sometimes called “pot marigold” and is prized not just for its beauty but for its multitude of uses. For chickens, calendula petals offer anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can contribute to healthier skin and better digestion. Studies suggest calendula may even enhance the color of egg yolks, thanks to its high levels of carotenoids. The mild, almost honey-like flavor of calendula appeals to chickens, encouraging them to forage and stay active. Calendula is particularly well-suited for container gardening, thriving in small pots on a sunny windowsill or balcony. Its resilience means that with just a little care, you can harvest petals year-round, providing a continual supply of both nutrition and color for your flock.

4. Leafy Greens: Nutrient-Rich Options

Spinach

Spinach stands out as a nutritional powerhouse for both people and poultry. Loaded with iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K, spinach supports bone development and overall vitality in chickens. Its soft leaves are easy for birds to eat, and because spinach grows quickly and can be harvested leaf by leaf, it’s a sustainable choice for steady indoor production. Just make sure to provide ample light—either from a sunny window or a grow lamp—to keep your plants lush and productive. With regular trimming, spinach will continue to produce fresh, tender leaves, giving you a renewable supply of greens that keep your chickens happy and healthy. For best results, rotate your spinach pots to ensure even light exposure and prevent legginess.

Kale

Kale is another superfood that’s as good for your birds as it is for you. Packed with vitamins K, A, and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants, kale can help boost immune function and feather quality in your flock. Its hearty leaves are perfect for pecking, and kale’s robust growth habit means it can withstand frequent harvesting. You’ll find that kale flourishes indoors with just a bit of attention—keep it well-watered and provide consistent light, and it will keep producing for months. Some chicken keepers even notice a difference in egg quality when their hens have regular access to dark leafy greens like kale. Plus, growing kale indoors lets you avoid common garden pests, ensuring a cleaner, healthier harvest for your birds. Adding kale to your chickens’ diet not only diversifies their nutrition but also stimulates natural foraging instincts, keeping your flock engaged and content.

5. Succulents: Low-Maintenance Choices

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera (yes, Amazon actually will send live plants) stands out as one of the simplest plants to care for, thriving with very little water and attention. Its thick, fleshy leaves are not only visually appealing but also serve practical purposes. For chicken keepers, aloe vera can be a minor dietary supplement—chickens are often curious about its texture and occasionally nibble on the leaves. However, moderation is key; excessive consumption acts as a natural laxative due to compounds like aloin. Beyond its effects on chickens, aloe vera is renowned for its soothing properties on minor burns and cuts, making it a handy plant to have at home for both people and pets.

Jade Plant

The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is another excellent option for those who want greenery without the fuss. Its plump, oval leaves retain water beautifully, making it drought-tolerant and virtually maintenance-free. While chickens may be intrigued by the jade plant’s unusual texture and appearance, it is not considered edible for them and should be offered mainly for environmental enrichment. Its presence adds variety and interest to your chickens’ indoor environment, helping to prevent boredom—a common issue for birds kept inside for extended periods. Plus, jade plants are believed in some cultures to bring luck and prosperity to the household, adding a fun twist to your indoor garden.

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Introducing a diverse selection of plants indoors does far more than add a splash of green to your living space. For backyard chicken owners, these plants can serve multiple functions: offering light snacking opportunities, delivering essential nutrients, and providing natural entertainment. Chickens are intelligent and inquisitive creatures, and the simple act of exploring, pecking, and foraging among herbs, grasses, edible flowers, leafy greens, and even select succulents like aloe vera or jade plant can help alleviate stress and stimulate their minds.

By thoughtfully including these plants around your home, you create a dynamic, engaging environment for your flock. Not only will your space feel more vibrant and alive, but your chickens will also benefit from new textures, scents, and flavors to discover. Growing indoor-friendly plants is a rewarding way to bond with your birds and promote their well-being—turning your home into a true haven for both humans and hens.

Consider adding one or more of these plants to your indoor garden today! Not only will they enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal, but they will also keep your chickens happy and healthy as they peck away at nature’s bounty right inside your home.