sugar water?

[TabbiDawn]

Ok, So I have heard recently that sugar in my newly hatched chicks water will do them good?

Yes, no, how much, under what circumstances should I do this? Appreciate any feed back you can give me

Thanks!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/chickcare.html
it has it here under "water", and then if especially stressed, more sugar needed - scroll down

 

[A.T. Hagan]

It's only for the first half-day to full day or so and really only necessary with shipped birds that may have had a rough trip. I use a half-cup of sugar to a gallon of warm (NOT hot) water and the vitamin/electrolyte mix I get from the feed store. If they've had a really bad trip (as in several or more dead in the box when I open it) then I use a full cup to a gallon. Pretty much like what McMurray says. Each and every bird should have it's beak dipped in the water (just it's beak, not it's whole head) and the waterer should be right on the edge of the warm spot in the brooder so they can easily reach it without having to go into the could. I strongly favor waterers with red bases for chicks because they are naturally attracted to the color.

After the first day or so I dump the sugar water but continue to the vitamin/electrolyte mix for at least a couple of weeks.

I've never made the wet mash with the sugar water before but if ever I get a box of birds that have had a particularly rough trip I'll have to remember to try. Even if they refund your shipping losses it's heart-breaking to have a mess of chicks die on you because they had a bad trip in the mail.

 

[TabbiDawn]

Thanks

I feel better seeing Mcmurray suggests it

 

[CrittersNPets]

Would pedialyte work?

 

[TabbiDawn]

I have never heard of it being used, and personally I wouldn't advise it, but I could be wrong

 

[elmo]

A.T. Hagan's advice is good. You don't want to leave the sugar water in the container for more than 24 hours because it will start growing bacteria that could end up causing other problems...

One nice thing about getting chicks from a local breeder is that you never have to deal with chicks who've had a rough trip through the mail. We were lucky to find ours just a 10 minute car ride away, practically in our own neighborhood.

 

[TabbiDawn]

Quote:
I have a hatchery about ten mins from me also, I got some very nice RIR chicks from them a few months ago, but they only have about four different breeds available.

I like a bigger variety to choose from

 

[gotweim]

What about adding Apple Cider Vinegar to the water? I read that on another thread....

I have day olds coming on the 22nd and want to be sure I'm ready for them!!