daily vitamin supplement

[redriding]

I forgot to mention: In winter it is important to provide them with ample grit/rough sand, as often the ground is frozen or covered in snow and they will not be able to pick it up when roaming outside.

all good there …they have a fully enclosed covered run that i wrap in plastic so they get lots of dirt and sand to scratch about it

 

[redriding]

I mix in high protein chick starter for extra vitamins and protein in the winter months. Once a month everyone gets an overnight dose of poultry cell diluted in their water. The problem with poultry vitamin supplements is that they are highly concentrated and too much of a good thing can be a very bad thing especially with vitamins. They can be given daily over short periods of time, but I would err strongly on the side of caution doing daily or even weekly doses long term. The side effects of a long-term vitamin overdoses can cause serious health complications such as vomiting, weakness, bone problems and even organ damage.

excellent information thank you !

 

[Cecisflock]

And as it ususally comes in pellet form and is easily dissolved/digested, the chickens' digestive tract needs something harder to keep the digestive system active over long winter nights, which helps to keep them warm.

Where is the actual scientific evidence to support this? I've seen this so many times and no one can site a peer-reviewed paper.

 

[Rangergord]

Protein Supplementation is what I am trying. There are no insects available in the winter. The ISA hybrids are supposed to have 18 % protein overall. With insects from foraging this can be done on 16 % ration. Not so in winter. I cannot get allflock ration here. I use a 36% protein supplement for poultry with all necessary vitamins. HiPro brand. Master Feeds also makes one. You just add grain and oyster shell and you can custom blend any ration from 16-20%.

 

[LaFleche]

Where is the actual scientific evidence to support this? I've seen this so many times and no one can site a peer-reviewed paper.

There is lots of scientific evidence on the subject of how working muscles generate heat.

The chicken's gizzard is a very strong muscle and any activity working this muscle creates heat. Inactive muscles create very little heat.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=muscles+generate+heat&t=newext&ia=web