Marigolds for chickens: benefits, types and how to use them.

Have you ever wondered how to get richer, more golden egg yolks from your hens, naturally?

Types of marigold, and which your chickens need.

There are several different plants that come under the name "marigold", but they're not all the same.

And importantly, not all of them offer the benefits we're looking for in chickens.

Understanding the difference really matters. Otherwise, it's easy to grow or feed the wrong type and wonder why you're not seeing the results you expected.

Top Tip: When shopping for marigolds, search by the botanical (Latin) name, not the common English names which are sometimes confused.

The three main types.

Calendula: calendula officinalis.

Often called the pot marigold, this is the daisy-like flower most people recognise.

• Bright orange or yellow petals
• Can't survive cold winters, so grown as an annual in most climates
• Known for its natural anti-bacterial properties.

Best use:

• helpful for cleaning and coop care, rather than feeding for health benefits.
• Calendula seeds are generally available in the spring.

The tagetes family.

French marigold: tagetes patula.

This is the small, bushy marigold you'll often see in flower borders, pots and hanging baskets.

• Usually deep orange or bright yellow
• Flowers throughout summer until first frosts
• Spreads rather than growing tall.

Best uses:

• Enhancing egg yolk colour
• Natural pest deterrent around the coop
• Tagetes seeds sell out quickly each spring.

The African or Mexican marigold: tagetes erecta.

This is the taller variety, with large, pom-pom-like flowers. It is the variety most strongly associated with health benefits for chickens.

• Can grow up to 90 cm (35 inches)
• Strong, vibrant blooms
• Rich in beneficial antioxidants
• Survives well in drought.

Best use:

• Supporting overall chicken health
• Boosting the immune system
• Seeds are available in the spring only.

A simple way to remember...

• Calendula: cleaning and coop care.
• French marigold: egg colour and pest control.
• African marigold: health and nutrition.

Marigold benefits for chickens: a natural alternative.

Antioxidants to improve cell growth and boost the immune system.

Marigolds aren't just attractive flowers: they contain natural compounds that can support your chickens' health.

In particular, they are rich in substances called flavonoids and carotenoids (including lutein and lycopene), which act as antioxidants.

Why antioxidants matter.

Antioxidants help protect the body's cells from damage.

In simple terms, they support your chickens’ natural ability to stay healthy and cope with everyday stresses.

Studies^{(e.g. 1, 2)} have shown that adding marigolds or marigold extract to poultry diets can:

• increase antioxidant capacity
• support general health
• help with tissue repair
• in general terms, marigolds help chickens ward off disease.

A gentle, natural approach.

It's important to be clear: marigolds are not a replacement for proper care or veterinary treatment.

But as part of good overall husbandry, they can be a simple, natural way to support your flock's wellbeing.

Which type of marigold?

• For health benefits, the best choice is the African / Mexican, tagetes erecta. This variety contains the highest levels of the beneficial compounds linked to improved health.

Don't use essential oils here. Use fresh marigold flowers. Growing them yourself is easy and fun! For information about how to prepare the flowers, see here.

Marigolds and egg quality.

Marigolds don't just benefit your chickens, they can also improve the eggs they produce.

Healthier eggs.

The same compounds that support your chickens' health, particularly carotenoids, can also influence egg quality.

Studies have shown that hens fed marigolds or marigold extract can produce eggs with lower cholesterol levels.^(2,3)

In one study, cholesterol levels were reduced by almost 30%⁽²⁾.

Richer yolk colour. 

Many people prefer a rich, golden yolk. In commercial systems, this is often achieved using synthetic pigments added to feed⁽⁵⁾.

But there's a natural alternative.

Feeding marigolds helps deepen yolk colour, thanks to their high carotenoid content⁽⁴⁾. It's the same compounds that give the flowers their vibrant orange and yellow tones.

Which type of marigold?

• For improved egg quality: choose the Tagetes erecta (African / Mexican marigold).
• For a deeper yolk colour: the Tagetes patula (French marigold) is the best choice.
  

How to feed marigolds to your chickens.

Chickens are naturally drawn to bright colours, so encouraging them to try marigolds is usually quite easy although, being chickens, they can sometimes be a little picky!

Important: Only feed marigolds that have been grown without pesticides or chemicals. If you're not sure how they've been grown, it's best not to use them.

Fresh or dried?

You can offer marigolds fresh, but in my experience they tend to eat them more readily when the petals are dried.

How to prepare them.

To dry your own marigolds:

• Cut the flowers close to the base
• Tie a few stems together
• Hang them upside down in a warm, dry place
• Leave for around two to three weeks.

Once dried, just crumble the petals into their feed.

How much to feed?

A small amount is all that's needed.

• As a guide, I use around 10 grammes (just under half an ounce) per kilogram (2 lbs) of feed.

But don't worry about being exact. Studies have shown no adverse effects even when marigolds are fed in higher amounts⁽¹⁾.

Using marigolds in the chicken coop.

Marigolds can be useful around your coop as well as in your chickens' diet, but it's important to use the right type for the right purpose.

Marigolds as a natural pest repellent.

Some marigolds can help deter insects. This isn't just a gardening myth!

The French marigold (Tagetes patula) produces a natural compound called pyrethrum, which is toxic to many insects and commonly used in insect repellents⁽⁴⁾.

How to use them.

• Plant in raised pots or hanging baskets near the coop
• Choose a scented variety for best effect
• Keep them out of reach: chickens love these marigolds and are likely to eat them!

This way, you get the benefit of pest control without your flock stripping the plants bare!

Common marigold: benefits as a natural coop cleaner.

The common or pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) is proven to have natural anti-bacterial properties⁽⁵⁾.

It should not replace proper cleaning, but it can be a helpful addition to your regular routine to help control outbreaks of pests such as chicken mites.

How to use it.

Make a simple wash:

• Steep about two tablespoons of fresh petals in two cups of water
• Bring to the boil
• Allow them to sit for at least ten minutes, longer if possible
• Strain and use the liquid as a gentle cleaner

Or...

• Put dried petals (buy them here if you don't want to dry your own) into a glass container
• Cover with olive or almond oil oil
• Leave somewhere cool for four weeks
• Strain the petals and add a little lavender oil
• Refrigerate until you need it
• Rub it onto coop surfaces such as roosts and nest boxes.

To make a calendula wash...

Marigolds in nest boxes: helpful or hype?

You may see claims that marigolds can cure all kinds of issues when scattered in nest boxes.

In reality, those claims are not supported by any research. For marigolds to have any health effect, they need to be eaten.

Having said that, adding petals to nest boxes won't do any harm, and your hens may eat them, which is a benefit. 

They may not be a miracle cure but they're still a lovely, useful addition to the coop.

How to grow marigolds for your chickens.

One of the nicest things about marigolds is how easy they are to grow from seed.

You don't need any special equipment or gardening experience: they'll thrive in most soils and quickly brighten up any space.

When to plant marigold seeds.

Sow seeds once the risk of frost has passed.

If you're growing African marigolds (Tagetes erecta), they take a little longer to mature, so it can help to start them slightly earlier, or buy young plants.

Where to grow them.

Marigolds prefer a sunny spot and do well in:

• garden borders
• vegetable patches
• pots or containers

Growing them in pots or hanging baskets can be a good idea, otherwise your flock may strip them bare before you get the chance to use them!

Simple care.

• Water at the base of the plant, not from the top
• Let the soil dry slightly between watering
• Remove dead flowers to encourage more blooms.

That's really all they need.

A final thought.

Marigolds are a simple, natural addition to any chicken keeper’s garden.

Used in the right way, they can support your flock’s health, improve egg quality, and even help around the coop — all without relying on synthetic additives.

And perhaps best of all, they’re easy to grow, enjoyable to care for, and something both you and your chickens can benefit from.

Marigold are a lovely project to grow, whether for yourself or your flock.

Used in the right way, they can support your flock's health, improve egg quality, and even help around the coop, all without relying on synthetic additives.

And perhaps best of all, they're easy and fun to grow, enjoyable to care for, and something both you and your chickens can benefit from.

And as a bonus, they will attract bees and butterflies to your garden.

A few quick questions about marigolds and chickens.

More ways to support your chickens naturally.

Sources.

1. Wang, S., et al: Effects of dietary marigold extract supplementation on growth performance, pigmentation, antioxidant capacity and meat quality in broiler chickens. Pub. Journal of Animal Science, 2017.

2. Nuraini, M., and Djulardi, A.: Marigold flower extract as a feed additive in the poultry diet. Pub. International Journal of Poultry Science, 2017.

3. Baker, R., and Gunther, C.: the role of carotenoids in consumer choice and the likely benefits from their inclusion into products for human consumption. Pub. Journal of Trends in Food Science and Technology, 2004.

4. Lokaewmanee, K. et al: Enhancement of yolk color in raw and boiled egg yolk with lutein from marigold flower meal and marigold flower extract. Pub. 

5. Liu, G., et al: Skin pigmentation evaluation in broilers fed different levels of natural okra and synthetic pigments. Pub. Journal of Poultry Research, 2008.

6. Moore, S. J. and Maia, M. F: Plant based insect repellents: a review of their efficacy, development and testing. Pub. Malaria Journal, 2011.

7. Efstratiou, E et al: Anitmicrobial activity of calendula officinalis petal extracts against fungi. Pub. Jpournal of Complementary Therapy, 2012.

8. Bloom, J: free Range Chicken Gardens. Pub. Timber Press, 2012.