Do you add supplements and or electrolytes?

[Cynthia12]

Electrolytes are used at certain times. Here is a home made recipe..and, you don't really want to use the ACV in the heat of the summer. Here is why..

This article is from the chicken chick

Heat stress and dehydration deplete the body of electrolytes required for a chicken's normal body functioning, therefore replenishing them is a priority when chickens suffer from heat stress and/or dehydration. The following instructions for making a homemade electrolyte solution can be found in The Chicken Encyclopedia, a book I highly recommend every chicken-keeper include in their library.

HOMEMADE ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION

1/2 teaspoon salt substitute
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 gallon water

*Note: Salt substitute is readily available in most grocery stores in the spice aisle near the salt, but if you do not have it, don't worry.​

"Administer this solution to dehydrated chickens in place of drinking water for four to six hours per day for a week, offering fresh water for the remainder of each day."
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ADVISORY: This solution should not be given to healthy chickens who are not suffering from heat stress or dehydration.​

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While we're on the topic of heat advisories, it bears repeating that while apple cider vinegar is beneficial to to chickens when added to their water most times of the year, ACV should NOT be added to waterers during times of high heat. In a recently published blog post that reviewed the benefits of ACV to poultry, I asked a chicken expert his opinion of ACV in poultry waterers. In reply, the Chicken Vet wrote the following, which dictates AGAINST using ACV during high heat conditions:

"Acidified water affects laying hens by making the calcium in her feed a little less digestible (based on chemistry....calcium is a positive ion, and dissociates better in a more alkaline environment). Professional farmers regularly add baking soda to their feed when heat stress is expected....this maintains egg shell quality when hens' feed consumption drops due to the heat."
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In summary, during high heat conditions, baking soda facilitates calcium absorption while ACV inhibits it. SKIP the ACV in the heat, opting for an electrolyte solution instead.​

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[marvun22]

I only give electrolytes when they're babies and until the packets run out.

 

[Sweet T]

I just add a tray of ice cubes to their water when the heat index reaches the triple digets, like this week! I'm also freezing bottles of water for them to lay against.

 

[katsdar]

I just add a tray of ice cubes to their water when the heat index reaches the triple digets, like this week! I'm also freezing bottles of water for them to lay against.

I heard that they really like the frozen water and put berries and other treats in it for them and they will peck happily all day well until the ice melts. I do this for my dogs they love to like the cold ice and it's funny when you have one dog that doesn't like to share and will try to carry off a whole block, I now give him his own.

 

[new chick 203]

ACV when not too hot, molasses sometimes in winter, and baby formula and electrolytes only for sick chickens or ones going through a hard molt. Yogurt is a favorite treat that is good for them too.

 

[ShadyHillFarm]

One supplement I give my chickens is apple cider vinegar. Most people give it to their hens it in their drinking water, dosage is about 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. Don't use it in a metal waterer though, it will get ruined. Since the only waterers I have are metal, I mix the ACV in yogurt (it's great for hiding the taste) and feed it to my flock a couple times a week.

Apple cider vinegar is healthy for chicken's respiratory systems. It also thins phlegm and has antibiotic properties. The highly acetic atmosphere that vinegar lends, makes an uncomfortable environment for bacteria. It also helps create a healthy digestive system, boosts immunity, and helps fight dehydration during hot spells.

I give ACV about once a week.

I just add a tray of ice cubes to their water when the heat index reaches the triple digets, like this week! I'm also freezing bottles of water for them to lay against.

I've also started putting ice cubes in their water, but we're just in the 80s so far here.

 

[JanetS]

I put vitamins/electrolyte power in their water during late spring and summer. We live in the south where there is a lot of humidity.

 

[Dawna]

I have been adding ACV to their water, but if it isn't good for them in the heat (here in Texas, about 60 miles SE of Austin), then I won't include it in the summer. I put their coop in a large dog pen and have covered the top with heat resistant tarp and foam insulation on the inside of that, and it helps a lot. Also, keep several pans of water around for them. I notice they like to walk through the water or stand in it, sometimes even roost on the side for awhile. And I also change the water two or three times during the day. I havn't tried ice cubes though. That might be interesting to watch. We have several bushes and/or small trees around for the chickens and the dogs to get under during the heat.

 

[cluckcluckluke]

Not sure if this is what you are after. But I boil up a 1 bulb of crushed garlic for 30 mins, then I add the one cap of the garlic water to 5 liters of my flock water, much like the ACV.

 

[2017JosJo]

A chicken may need something extra to get it throuh the heat of summer, adding electrolytes is definitely a good idea if you live somewhere where it gets hot.