Electrolytes

[JensChickies]

Every time I add electrolytes into their water, they won't drink it!! I have tried different brands too. Is there anything I can do to make the water taste better so they drink it?? It's so hot here right now. Poor babies.

 

[pdirt]

Not sure if you already tried this, but something I have always done when feeding water treated with anything is to give them the option of plain water. They may not need nor want the treated water or may just be afraid of trying something new. Giving them option gives them the choice of either and removes the stress of them being forced to drink something they may or may not like or might just be afraid of.

Another idea is to take the recommended dosage for the electrolytes and cut it into 8 portions. Ie, if the dosage is 1tsp per gallon of water, then give them 1/8tsp to start. After 3-5 days of this, increase the amount to 2/8 (1/4tsp) and keep increasing every several days until up to the full amount. If you find they will drink it a 7/8tsp but not a full 1tsp, then you might have learned something of the tolerance of your chickens.

 

[JensChickies]

Not sure if you already tried this, but something I have always done when feeding water treated with anything is to give them the option of plain water. They may not need nor want the treated water or may just be afraid of trying something new. Giving them option gives them the choice of either and removes the stress of them being forced to drink something they may or may not like or might just be afraid of.

Another idea is to take the recommended dosage for the electrolytes and cut it into 8 portions. Ie, if the dosage is 1tsp per gallon of water, then give them 1/8tsp to start. After 3-5 days of this, increase the amount to 2/8 (1/4tsp) and keep increasing every several days until up to the full amount. If you find they will drink it a 7/8tsp but not a full 1tsp, then you might have learned something of the tolerance of your chickens.

Oohs that's a good idea. I never thought of doing it in little increments. I didn't want them to become dehydrated so I left regular water out for them. I havnt made my own electrolyte solution, maybe I should try that. I will try the increments, then I will try making my own if it doesn't work. Thank you for the advice!!!