~a refreshing batch of frozen mint ice cube treats~
Fresh clean water is the most important thing you can provide your flock - especially in the summer. Eggs contain mostly water and keeping your chickens hydrated not only is crucial to their health but assures good egg production.
But why not get creative and make some ice cube treats for your flock?
But why not get creative and make some ice cube treats for your flock?
Mint, an anti-inflammatory, has natural cooling properties and acts to lower the body temperature of humans and animals by drawing body heat to the skin surface and also inducing perspiration when rubbed on the skin.
When you eat or drink something with mint in it, you immediately feel cooler. That's due to the menthol in members of the mint family. There's a very good reason that the mint julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby (click HERE for the official recipe!) and a popular summer drink all over the South, along with mojitos.
~photo courtesy kentuckyderby.com~
Keeping that in mind, I created these fun frozen ice pops for the chickens to enjoy in the heat of the summer. Even if the chickens don't "get the sensation" of the mint, it's also calming, and staying calm when it's hot can help them stay cooler.
So here's how I make the frozen ice treats:
I use covered individual freezer cube containers called Pesto Cubes (they are great for freezing individual servings of pesto too!) but any regular ice cube tray will work just fine. Start by cutting some fresh mint leaves into each cube.
The ducks' favorite is mint and peas so then I add some frozen peas to each compartment. Then fill with water and freeze.
Another variation that the chickens especially like uses fresh mint and chopped strawberry tops.
Here's a batch of Maine blueberry/mint ice pops.
Once the cubes are frozen, pop them out and serve immediately! At first your chickens will view them skeptically, as they tend to do with any new treat, but they will soon dig right in and enjoy pecking away at the ice to get to the treats frozen inside, all the while staying cool on a hot summer day.
Try experimenting with other fruits and vegetables to see what your chickens like best.
Lemon balm is also part of the mint family and can be used in place of the mint if you wish. In addition to being an anti-inflammatory, mint also aids in digestion and helps to boost the immune system, so it's a nutritious herb to add to your chickens' diet.
Click HERE for more tips on keeping your chickens cool this summer.
Further Reading about the Cooling Effects of Mint:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2015/01/23/why-does-mint-make-your-mouth-feel-cool/?utm_term=.48c04edbba9c
https://www.thoughtco.com/why-mint-makes-mouth-feel-cold-607450
Further Reading about the Cooling Effects of Mint:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2015/01/23/why-does-mint-make-your-mouth-feel-cool/?utm_term=.48c04edbba9c
https://www.thoughtco.com/why-mint-makes-mouth-feel-cold-607450
I love how you make everything so pretty for your animals! Another great idea to pin and try out!
ReplyDeleteI love pretty things - what can I say ! Thanks for reading, pinning and spoiling your chickens !
DeleteI love it! I'm going to make some tonight with corn and peas from my freezer (veggie ones) and watermelon and mint ones!
ReplyDeleteGreat Idea! Love it!!! http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sunny-Side-Up-Coops/234738163293821
You know, I've never tried watermelon but I am SURE it would be a big hit.
DeleteWe just take a blemished or over-ripe melon, chill it and then break it into the chicken yard. They love it!
DeleteOurs love cold watermelon and cantaloupe for sure ! These ice cubes are a nice accompaniment also.
DeleteLove this idea. I have thought ice cubes before but not ice cubes with goodies inside.
ReplyDelete@ 3Beeze Homestead
Oh you're chickens are in for a treat ! You could try spinach, raspberries, even mealworms !
DeleteI have these silicone ice cube trays and just planted a large pot of herbs and mint. I also raise my own meal worms: )Can't wait to try this, Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFun and Functional! Gonna try it out!
ReplyDeleteI've bookmarked this for future reference. Thank you, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteThey have been a huge sucuess. Even the Rabbits and bunnies love them,
ReplyDeleteOh wonderful !
DeleteOnce again, great tips!
ReplyDeleteI also use all my various sized muffin tins to make ice cubes for the girls and even for parties. Great way to make ice cubes with lemon, orange and lime too.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog.
ReplyDeleteWow - those mint ice cubes look good enough for people consumption! I have been looking for something cool and refreshing for my shade deprived pen during those times I cannot let my chickies free range. Your treats inspire me to come up with ideas I can use. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAmazing Idea!!! I cannot wait to try this for my girls.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know that I featured this article in my "Weekend Pics - 6/8/12" post. I loved this idea and actually tried it! My hens absolutely LOVED these cool treats! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleterebeccashearthandhome-proverbs31heart.blogspot.com/2012/06/weekend-picks-6812.html
Thanks so much ! My hens love them too and I love how versatile they are - you can toss in any combination of fruits or veggies.
DeleteCan I use chocolate mint in place of regular mint?
ReplyDeleteHi yes ! Chocolate mint, orange mint, spearmint, wintergreen, even lemon balm which is in the mint family will help lower body temperatures.
DeleteNice ideas for keeping poultry cool in summer
ReplyDelete:P
I have peacocks and tried the fruit-in-a-cube - they LOVE it! Dawn in AZ
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your blog and this is a fantastic idea. Now I know what to do with all of my mint in my garden and keep my chickens cool!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic idea and I had no idea that mint lowered ones body temperature... we will have to try this with our chickens for sure! Thanks
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! I bet my "girls" would love these special treats!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the wonderful ideas and info. on our chickens! I can't wait to try this out. Have mint growing in ABUNDANCE and now I know what to do with it!
ReplyDelete"I am really enjoyed this dish; it was flavorful and filling.
ReplyDeletethis dish looks incredible! :)
We are newbies to having chickens and learning so much. Had no idea that chickens ate these kinds of treats. I can't wait to try out some of the treat ideas I've seen here.
ReplyDeleteHi, I want to pin this but my pin it button isn't working. Is this on your pinterest page by any chance? Love the idea!
ReplyDelete