Electrolytes for entire flock?

[bizzynik]

I've got a pullet that seems to be dehydrated and battling heat stress. I've given her some electrolytes to help her. Is it safe to give the entire flock some in their waterer? The temps are supposed to be rising into next week. We're supposed to be in the mid 90's by midweek. No on else is showing any signs or symptoms. I've read that it's ok, and not to do it, so I'm really confused.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Yes. Absolutely. It if fine to give the whole flock vitamins/electrolytes such as chick saver in the water.

I can't imagine why anyone would feel that unsafe. It could give them all a nice boost in the hot weather.

More importantly, make sure they have shade, and the water is kept in shade where they don't have to cross hot sun to get to it.

You might want to consider a misting system if you live in continuously hot area or at least set out a little kiddie wading pool...they actually enjoy that. We will run the sprinkler for them and they will play and splash for hours.

LofMc

 

[bizzynik]

Yes. Absolutely. It if fine to give the whole flock vitamins/electrolytes such as chick saver in the water.

I can't imagine why anyone would feel that unsafe. It could give them all a nice boost in the hot weather.

More importantly, make sure they have shade, and the water is kept in shade where they don't have to cross hot sun to get to it.

You might want to consider a misting system if you live in continuously hot area or at least set out a little kiddie wading pool...they actually enjoy that. We will run the sprinkler for them and they will play and splash for hours.

LofMc

I read that it has to do with the salt intake for the chickens. It said too much salt isn't good for them. I also read not to give them electrolytes for anymore than 10 days in a row at a time.

 

[coach723]

I give my whole flock electrolites when it's hot. I usually leave it out 4 or 5 hours and then switch to plain water for the remainder of the day. I also use shallow dishes of water that they can stand in and put in shady areas (like these, easy to clean: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/behrens-utility-pan-3-gal-capacity) . You can put frozen water bottles in the waterers to keep them cooler also in the hottest part of the day. When it's really hot I put a box fan on the outside of the fence with frozen jugs of water in front of it to blow cooler air.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I have it all hydration stations right now. Keep it out of the Sun light. Stays cooler and doesn't slime as fast.