Could Electrolytes be a bad idea?

[RGB RIP]

Before our long heatwave started, I had been switching off between ACV and a lactobacillus supplement in the girls' waterer. Then I read that when it's hot, you should stop giving ACV and give them electrolytes instead. So I switched to the Rooster Booster probiotic and electrolyte supplement. Not long after, I saw that one of my hens was getting heat stressed even when the temperature was only in the low-mid 80s. Now because it's over 100 degrees every day, I've been keeping them inside in the air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day. But even in the cool house, I see her panting quite often.

Then today I read an article saying that unless your chickens are sick, you shouldn't give them electrolytes because they're mostly salt. This particular hen does drink a lot of water, so now I'm wondering if the electrolytes are raising her blood pressure, which is in turn making her less heat tolerant and causing her to pant more, which in turn is making her drink more water, so that it's a spiraling problem. The Rooster Booster instructions only call for using a very small amount, but I'm still wondering if I should stop it altogether and just give them plain water for a while.

Has anyone ever experiences this problem with electrolytes and chickens?

 

[PoultryCQ]

Before our long heatwave started, I had been switching off between ACV and a lactobacillus supplement in the girls' waterer. Then I read that when it's hot, you should stop giving ACV and give them electrolytes instead. So I switched to the Rooster Booster probiotic and electrolyte supplement. Not long after, I saw that one of my hens was getting heat stressed even when the temperature was only in the low-mid 80s. Now because it's over 100 degrees every day, I've been keeping them inside in the air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day. But even in the cool house, I see her panting quite often.

Then today I read an article saying that unless your chickens are sick, you shouldn't give them electrolytes because they're mostly salt. This particular hen does drink a lot of water, so now I'm wondering if the electrolytes are raising her blood pressure, which is in turn making her less heat tolerant and causing her to pant more, which in turn is making her drink more water, so that it's a spiraling problem. The Rooster Booster instructions only call for using a very small amount, but I'm still wondering if I should stop it altogether and just give them plain water for a while.

Has anyone ever experiences this problem with electrolytes and chickens?

I never buy electrolytes. I like to make my own with honey and a little bit of garlic. Never had an issue, but I dont give electrolytes unless theres a reason to. I give it to chicks and sick hens (apart from hens with slow and sour crop).

 

[nuthatched]

Usually plain water is best. Chickens don't sweat so they don't need to replenish lost electrolytes. They could od on salt butI think that would take a lot. If you add anything to the water, you should always provide plain water too

 

[PoultryCQ]

Usually plain water is best. Chickens don't sweat so they don't need to replenish lost electrolytes. They could od on salt butI think that would take a lot. If you add anything to the water, you should always provide plain water too

I agree, plain water on the side is always important.

 

[RGB RIP]

Thanks. They seem to prefer the plain water anyway. I'm going to do away with water supplements altogether. And I might keep them from free ranging altogether for the next week or so, just in case she's having a reaction to something she's finding in the yard.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Electrolytes are meant for short term use. Not sure how often you were using it. When we had our last heat wave (up to 110F) I made a homemade electrolyte mix for the chickens and dogs and ourselves, but they still had access to plain water as well. As soon as the worst of the heat wave was over I discontinued using it.

 

[3KillerBs]

On advice from @aart I give electrolytes once a week in hot weather.

BUT always in an extra waterer with plain water available in the other waterers.

Think about how you are in hot weather. You might have one or two Gatorades in a day, but you wouldn't want to have nothing available but Gatorade.

 

[aart]

I use Savachick brand EL/Vits.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-extreme-weather-spiel.75893/

IIRC, it's not about salt so much as potassium.
Even tho chickens don't sweat they do lose vital elements do to excreting more fluids during heat waves.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Focus on sweat, while understandable, is misguided. Look at where you are putting your feet. Chicken droppings look much different in hot conditions than cold - they consume more water, their droppings tend to be much looser.

THAT is where your missing electrolytes are going.

You'll probably want to wash that up.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Long term use of electrolytes is just a waste of money.