Electrolytes and probiotics

[Chick CJ]

I am in process of hatching and looking forward to brooding.....my husband came home with some electrolytes and probiotics....should I use them? Are they necessary or just helpful and if so, for how long?
CJ

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Electrolytes are good for newly hatched or shipped chicks. Perks them up so they eat which reduces chances of weaker ones or enduring a hard hatch not thriving. It's really a one time thing for chicks. During hottest days of summer people will use it again.

 

[Eggcessive]

Are they separate, or in the same product? I agree that having electrolytes available in an emergency, for baby chicks suffering from shipping stress for a day or two, or during extreme heat stress is a good thing, but they could harmful unless needed. Probiotics are very useful in chickens once or twice a week to help prevent intestinal diseases such as enteritis, and to keep the intestinal bacterial flora normal. Baby chicks don't need it unless they have a bout of coccidiosis at some point, and are older. There is a product that Rooster Booster sells with vitamins, electrolytes, and probiotics all combined, but because of the electrolytes I would not recommend it.

 

[Chick CJ]

They are separate products. I am glad to have them on hand in case needed, but not necessary to use at this point.
Thanks.
CJ