Electrolytes and Vitamins

[ZooAtHome]

Got my first chicks a little over a week ago. Offered only water with electrolytes and vitamins for the first day. Since then, I've kept two waterers, one with electrolytes and vitamins, one just plain water. Both are cleaned and refilled daily. Chicks appear to drink from both without preference. All appear healthy and active.

Is there any reason NOT to continue to offer the electrolyte/vitamin solution in the one waterer, provided they also have access to the plain water? I tend to be of the if-it-aint-broke-don't-fix-it mentality, but since I'm new to this wanted to double-check my instincts here.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Electrolytes contain salt, high amounts of which can damage chickens' hearts longterm (they don't use salt like we sweaty mammals do, and have fewer ways to get rid of it.) It's mostly a short-term fix to help sick/vulnerable chickens stay hydrated.

As for the vitamins, they should get everything they need from their feed, and it's hard for them to get rid of the excess non-water-soluble vitamins (Only B and A (beta-catotene) are water-soluble, and thus, easily excretable.) And you can overdose on vitamins, though I am unsure how long it would take.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I've read that Electrolytes and Vitamins added to water should only be given 10 days straight.
My latest Flock of day old chicks, I gave them Nutri drench for 10 days, following directions on bottle.
I also fed them Medicated Start and Grow for 10 weeks before switching to a Non-medicated feed.
All survived and are 8 months now. GC

 

[ZooAtHome]

Electrolytes contain salt, high amounts of which can damage chickens' hearts longterm (they don't use salt like we sweaty mammals do, and have fewer ways to get rid of it.) It's mostly a short-term fix to help sick/vulnerable chickens stay hydrated.

As for the vitamins, they should get everything they need from their feed, and it's hard for them to get rid of the excess non-water-soluble vitamins (Only B and A (beta-catotene) are water-soluble, and thus, easily excretable.) And you can overdose on vitamins, though I am unsure how long it would take.

Non-water-soluble vitamins were exactly what I was concerned about and the primary reason why I asked.

I've read that Electrolytes and Vitamins added to water should only be given 10 days straight.
My latest Flock of day old chicks, I gave them Nutri drench for 10 days, following directions on bottle.
I also fed them Medicated Start and Grow for 10 weeks before switching to a Non-medicated feed.
All survived and are 8 months now. GC

I had not read that anywhere in my research or on the electrolyte instructions. Since we are on day 10 today, sounds like it is time for me to discontinue them. Most likely, when I return from my errands today the water cup will have bedding in it. I'll just empty the whole thing and refill with plain water at that time.

I am also feeding a medicated starter crumble, which I will probably continue until I run out then switch to an organic starter.

Thanks to you both for the input!

 

[aart]

It's mostly a short-term fix to help sick/vulnerable chickens stay hydrated.

Exactly!
No reason to give to chicks at all, IMO, unless they are struggling somehow.
Another one of those 'more for the keeper than the birds' things.....
...propagated by the manufacturer to sell more product.

 

[ZooAtHome]

Exactly!
No reason to give to chicks at all, IMO, unless they are struggling somehow.
Another one of those 'more for the keeper than the birds' things.....
...propagated by the manufacturer to sell more product.

I can see that. There were a few other things they tried to sell me that I passed on (don't recall them now). However, neonatal care is a specialty of mine (feline, not avian) and I can tell you without hesitation that probiotics and electrolytes have saved more than one tiny life, in my experience. So, when they suggested a probiotic/electrolyte/vitamin additive, I admit that I was an easy sell.

You're probably right, though. My chicks may not have needed it at all and they certainly don't seem to need it now.

 

[aart]

However, neonatal care is a specialty of mine (feline, not avian) and I can tell you without hesitation that probiotics and electrolytes have saved more than one tiny life, in my experience.

I agree, if animal is in distress...but no reason in normal situations.