Electrolytes

[mopalia]

I've run out of the chicken Gatorade packets we got when we got the chicks - they are now 5 weeks old. can i use the 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 Tablespoon sugar recipe from now on? Do I add ACV, and how much? It's hot in Sacramento, and they are going outside next week! I'll also be fermenting food soon. Thanks!

 

[PirateGirl]

Why do you feel they need electrolytes? Are the exhibiting signs of illness and/or distress?

 

[PirateGirl]

I'm not sure about your recipe.

1 tablespoon of ACV per gallon of water seems to be the accepted amount.

I have added molasses, honey, and/or maple syrup to water to perk up a weak chicken that's not eating much on occasion, or recovering from illness.

 

[mopalia]

Why do you feel they need electrolytes? Are the exhibiting signs of illness and/or distress?

well, this is what happens when you read too much! I have read so many things about caring for chicks that i have become over-anxious. They are fine now in the house, but I worry about putting them out in our 100 degree weather.

 

[mopalia]

I'm not sure about your recipe.

1 tablespoon of ACV per gallon of water seems to be the accepted amount.

I have added molasses, honey, and/or maple syrup to water to perk up a weak chicken that's not eating much on occasion, or recovering from illness.

Thanks, I will go with just the ACV.

 

[chickens really]

Hello...All they need is fresh water daily a balanced feed. Too much worry and hype about supplements...

 

[PirateGirl]

I agree with @chickens really here, that's why I was asking my previous questions, if there are signs of illness and that's why you are administering electrolytes, then you should start a thread in the emergency/illness/disease forum and let's figure out what's going on with your chickens and how to best treat it before it gets worse. If everyone is healthy and normal, I find electrolytes to be unnecessary. I also admit that the record high were I live is only 85 degrees and none of my birds have every experienced anything near 100, so perhaps others in your climate zone will have something different to say.

 

[mopalia]

Hello...All they need is fresh water daily a balanced feed. Too much worry and hype about supplements...

This is worse than being chained to Dr. Spock with a first baby! Thanks for your good common sense.

 

[mopalia]

I agree with @chickens really here, that's why I was asking my previous questions, if there are signs of illness and that's why you are administering electrolytes, then you should start a thread in the emergency/illness/disease forum and let's figure out what's going on with your chickens and how to best treat it before it gets worse. If everyone is healthy and normal, I find electrolytes to be unnecessary. I also admit that the record high were I live is only 85 degrees and none of my birds have every experienced anything near 100, so perhaps others in your climate zone will have something different to say.

Thanks, my chickens (3 Wyandotte pullets) are just fine, feisty and energetic. I am clearly being too much of a mother hen!