I'm trying to get everything ready for my chicks which will arrive in a couple weeks. I can't decide if I should give them supplements right off the bat. Damerow's "Chicken Health Handbook' recommends vitamins for the first three weeks but McMurry's Quick Chick also comes with electrolytes and I read some BYC posts that said you should only give electrolytes if there is a problem. Should I wait to see how they're doing before I give them anything?
I think it's a matter of personal preference. I've been giving all of my flock a vitamin/mineral/electrolyte supplement this winter, from day old chicks all the way up to my laying girls. I just think they need the extra vitamins/minerals since they can't get outside to free range.
I keep my new chicks on vitamins and electrolytes for the first few weeks and have never had any problems
I use terramycin desolved in the new chicks water to start them off, then I just feed with chick starter which also has vitamens added.
I'm giving my chicks plain ole fruit juice -- a 100% juice blend of cranberry, blueberry, grape, and apple -- usually with water added. Lots of vitamins and antioxidants in a form that seems more natural to me. If they had the chance they'd eat the fruit, so this just makes it easier on their young, grit-less crops. I also add additional fish meal to their feed to increase the protein and the DHA they need for healthy cell development.
I agree with shelleyb1969, I think it's a matter of personal preference too. I feed my chicks Starter/Grower feed initially. It has all the nutrients the chicks need.
I used good ol' fresh water, but had vitamins and electrolytes on hand in case of a weak chick. The only time I use electrolytes now is during extremely hot weather. I would never give antibiotics unless I had a confirmed illness. Indiscrimate use of antibiotics can render them ineffective if and when they are needed.
