Baking Soda OR Electrolytes?

[chickluvinfreak]

I would like to add baking soda to my laying hens diet this summer. Which I have read is commonly done on commercial farms to increase calcium absorption. But the weather will be 100-120 degrees and the chickens need ectrolytes added to the water. Can they be given baking soda and electrolytes? The article I read it from said to use either or but not if you could use both. Also will baking soda harm chicks eating the older hens feed?

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I would suggest that the best place to get the answer you are looking for is the "Feeding and watering your flock" forum. I am unable to help you with your question, sorry.

Best wishes

CT

 

[drumstick diva]

Agree with CTKen. I've never heard of giving them baking soda, so can't advise you.

 

[sunflour]

glad you have joined us.


Do not give them baking soda - it is Sodium bicarbonate and they don't do well with extra Sodium and in the heat could be deadly.

And IMO they don't routinely need electrolytes --- but in heat they need lots of cool, clean water. Ice and lettuce in the water helps to keep them cooler.


And IMO - don't try to pattern after the commercial folks

 

[chickluvinfreak]

Thank you for the answers. I know they don't usually need electrolytes. But in 100+ degree weather isn't it important? I lost 11 chickens last year (it was 120 degrees) and would like to be able to prevent it from happening again. Can I give them electrolyte water every other day or something similar? Thanks again

 

[chickluvinfreak]

If baking soda is bad is their anything else to prevent thin eggshells in the summer? And do thin shells mean the chickens are unhealthy?

 

[spurrer]

I think it means they are not getting enough calcium. New here too.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!