Electrolytes and probiotics

[Peytonandpancakes]

Hello!
Should I put electrolytes and probiotics in my chickens water regularly? Or is that overkill?
Thank you

 

[Willow2253]

I only give them to new chicks, or chickens that are recovering from disease or stress. No need to give them all the time.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Electrolytes are not meant for long term usage - when they're stressed, that's a good time to use them to help the birds deal with it.

 

[Krazikatlady64]

In the summer and its 90+ every day. Should they get it daily or only once a week?

 

[aart]

Hello!
Should I put electrolytes and probiotics in my chickens water regularly? Or is that overkill?
Thank you

Overkill.
I've never felt the need to give probiotics, it's already in their feed.
Electrolytes I give once a week during heat waves in the summer and during extreme cold waves in winter.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-hot-weather-spiel.75893/

 

[kerbotx]

I give electrolytes in the summer, on the worst days, when it's really baking; I'll add it to their main waterer in the run & the one in the coop. I'll leave the other bowls that are out & about as plain water, but on those hot days they don't venture as much. Then I keep track, and make sure I only do that for 3 days in a row, then take a break so not to overdo it. I may also use the electrolyte solution as the water for their wet mash. I've tried many different products, and I like Manna Pro's Hydro Hen the best. As for probiotics, only for a sick hen; check your feed - it may already contain pre/probiotics!

 

[David61]

My girls would not drink electrolyte water until i made a mash with it. after killing a pan of mash they didn't mind the taste of the electrolytes in the water. chickens are chicken.

 

[Aapomp831]

Your regular chicken feed should have probiotics in it already; don’t buy into the hype. All they need is a good diet for good digestion. Electrolytes are also not necessary- just fresh clean water daily.

 

[Sammster]

Electrolytes I give once a week during heat waves in the summer and during extreme cold waves in winter.

Are you giving a certain brand of electrolytes? Is it the kind you might give to a dehydrated child? Is it mixed into the chickens' water, and at what ratio? We do go through cold waves in SE Michigan

 

[aart]

Are you giving a certain brand of electrolytes? Is it the kind you might give to a dehydrated child? Is it mixed into the chickens' water, and at what ratio? We do go through cold waves in SE Michigan

Link in my post gives details......

Electrolytes I give once a week during heat waves in the summer and during extreme cold waves in winter.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-hot-weather-spiel.75893/