What is a natural source of electrolyte for hens?

[Rabi Gabriel]

Been googling for natural source of electrolytes. Is watermelon a good source of electrolytes?

 

[RoyalChick]

Electrolytes are just minerals disssolved in water. Technically they carry either a negative or positive charge, but that doesn’t matter for our purposes.
They are things like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and importantly for chickens, calcium.
This is not an exhaustive list but those are the big ones.
Most food contains electrolytes. Hens will also eat dirt and the minerals will dissolve into electrolytes when they drink.
So yes, water melon will contain electrolytes. But probably no more so than anything else you feed your chickens.

 

[ChickenMama1212]

I heard you can use Pedialyte. Hope this helps.

 

[RoyalChick]

I heard you can use Pedialyte. Hope this helps.

If you have a hen in shock and want to give quick energy and electrolytes then indeed pedialyte is good.
It is also expensive.
Gatorade is cheaper. Get the kind with real sugar. My chickens have always liked the red flavor. I always keep a bit in the freezer for emergencies.

 

[Sic]

Kelp can be used as a natural source of electrolytes due to its high mineral content, including potassium and magnesium. Kelp fronds, in particular, are known to contain about three times as much potassium salt as sodium salt, making them an ideal source for electrolyte balance.

Kelp is also rich in amino acids and other essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iodine, which contribute to overall health.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Clean feed, clean water, clean coop. Some grit and oyster shell if they are laying hens.

Nothing else is needed for a healthy hen.

You can mess them up trying to help them.

 

[tigger19687]

Clean feed, clean water, clean coop. Some grit and oyster shell if they are laying hens.

Nothing else is needed for a healthy hen.

You can mess them up trying to help them.

Thank you,
Why is it people think they need to give them anything special they don't need?
Although I can say that mine would pick the mud puddle over fresh water every time