Electrolytes or vitamins?

[minou33]

Is there an age when you stop adding electrolytes to the water? Do you supplement with something else once they begin to lay such as vitamins? Any recommendations on brands?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

How old?

Electrolytes and vitamins should not be used daily or long term.
Feed if fresh and complete has what they need.

That said, in hot weather, electrolytes can be offered, but fresh plain water needs to be available at all times too.

Vitamins, as needed.

This is usually what I do. I DO provide vitamins/electrolytes for the couple of days for baby chicks OR I direct dose chicks with vitamins like Poultry Cell or Poultry Nutri-Drench.

For adults. I direct dose with vitamins "as needed". Maybe I have a hen that is droopy and I'm watching her. I do give vitamins/electrolytes about once every couple of weeks throughout the year, but fresh water is available.
For me, I prefer Poultry Cell. Poultry Nutri-Drench is also good, but does not contain B2.
Vitamins/Electrolytes - usually Durvet.
There are many products on the market so do some comparisons. Others use vitamins/probiotics, etc. etc. Check with your local feed store and also online.

 

[minou33]

How old?

Electrolytes and vitamins should not be used daily or long term.
Feed if fresh and complete has what they need.

That said, in hot weather, electrolytes can be offered, but fresh plain water needs to be available at all times too.

Vitamins, as needed.

This is usually what I do. I DO provide vitamins/electrolytes for the couple of days for baby chicks OR I direct dose chicks with vitamins like Poultry Cell or Poultry Nutri-Drench.

For adults. I direct dose with vitamins "as needed". Maybe I have a hen that is droopy and I'm watching her. I do give vitamins/electrolytes about once every couple of weeks throughout the year, but fresh water is available.
For me, I prefer Poultry Cell. Poultry Nutri-Drench is also good, but does not contain B2.
Vitamins/Electrolytes - usually Durvet.
There are many products on the market so do some comparisons. Others use vitamins/probiotics, etc. etc. Check with your local feed store and also online.

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Thank you very much!! At what age do you stop adding electrolytes daily to the water for baby chicks?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you very much!! At what age do you stop adding electrolytes daily to the water for baby chicks?

For chicks, I change water several times a day. Sooo...they probably get electrolytes for 1/2 a day for around 3-4 days - it really depends on how they are doing.
Then I usually go to something like once a day (water change) every few days.

 

[Folly's place]

I might do electrolytes for two to three days if the chicks appear stressed after they arrive. Otherwise, fresh water only.
Mary

 

[aart]

I only give EL if birds are stressed by extreme heat/cold.
Always plain water available at same time.

They really only need fresh clean water.