Giving electrolytes to baby chicks

[RedHillChicken]

We're getting our baby chicks in 2 weeks, and I have a question about feeding new chicks water - specifically, should I give them the Save-A-Chick electrolyte, or should we use the Justin Rhodes "magic water"? Thanks for sharing your past experiences.

 

[Acre4Me]

Any time you provide additive water (even if a little ACV), you should always offer a second option of very plain, fresh, clean, plain water.

Yes, you can give chicks electrolyte or “magic” water

 

[RedHillChicken]

Any time you provide additive water (even if a little ACV), you should always offer a second option of very plain, fresh, clean, plain water.

Yes, you can give chicks electrolyte or “magic” water

Have you used either electrolyte or magic water, providing plain water at that time?

 

[Acre4Me]

Have you used either electrolyte or magic water, providing plain water at that time?

Yes. They will drink from both. But, I think the packet of sav a chick may say the same thing. But never leave electrolyte solution in there past a day. It’s perfect for microbial growth

 

[RedHillChicken]

Yes. They will drink from both. But, I think the packet of sav a chick may say the same thing. But never leave electrolyte solution in there past a day. It’s perfect for microbial growth

Thanks so much. It doesn't say on the package, but how long would you provide new chicks the electrolyte water? Would it depend on the health and liveliness of the chicks?

 

[Acre4Me]

Thanks so much. It doesn't say on the package, but how long would you provide new chicks the electrolyte water? Would it depend on the health and liveliness of the chicks?

Typically when we get chicks, in person or mailed, we give all a drop (using a toothpick touched to beak) of chicken vitamins - we use nutriDrench from TSC, but there are a few brands. Then we dip beaks in plain water and let them swallow (they lift their head to swallow). This way they know water. We then put them in a brooder with puppy pee pads - good traction, not confused with food, and we can observe walking/movement better. We provide water with marbles in the tray, and sometimes electrolytes too (also with marbles). Marbles keep them from getting too wet when they step into the water. After 2-3 days we remove pee pads and use shavings. After 1+ weeks we remove marbles. After 3-4 days we remove electrolytes and provide only plain water.

In hot climates some keepers find a weekly dose of electrolytes is helpful. So, keep it as cool as possible and only for one day at a time.

 

[rosemarythyme]

x2 Nutri-Drench, it's a good pick me up for any chicks or adult birds that might be a little lethargic.

Electrolytes you can use a homemade mix and provide it fresh (and sporadically) during times of stress, i.e. heatwave, sudden cold temps, etc.

 

[RedHillChicken]

Typically when we get chicks, in person or mailed, we give all a drop (using a toothpick touched to beak) of chicken vitamins - we use nutriDrench from TSC, but there are a few brands. Then we dip beaks in plain water and let them swallow (they lift their head to swallow). This way they know water. We then put them in a brooder with puppy pee pads - good traction, not confused with food, and we can observe walking/movement better. We provide water with marbles in the tray, and sometimes electrolytes too (also with marbles). Marbles keep them from getting too wet when they step into the water. After 2-3 days we remove pee pads and use shavings. After 1+ weeks we remove marbles. After 3-4 days we remove electrolytes and provide only plain water.

In hot climates some keepers find a weekly dose of electrolytes is helpful. So, keep it as cool as possible and only for one day at a time.

Thank you!

 

[GGsHens]

Thank you!

Very helpful - thank you.

 

[Gardening Gal]

Typically when we get chicks, in person or mailed, we give all a drop (using a toothpick touched to beak) of chicken vitamins - we use nutriDrench from TSC, but there are a few brands. Then we dip beaks in plain water and let them swallow (they lift their head to swallow). This way they know water. We then put them in a brooder with puppy pee pads - good traction, not confused with food, and we can observe walking/movement better. We provide water with marbles in the tray, and sometimes electrolytes too (also with marbles). Marbles keep them from getting too wet when they step into the water. After 2-3 days we remove pee pads and use shavings. After 1+ weeks we remove marbles. After 3-4 days we remove electrolytes and provide only plain water.



In hot climates some keepers find a weekly dose of electrolytes is helpful. So, keep it as cool as possible and only for one day at a time.