Is there such thing as too much electrolytes for baby chicks?

[Harun]

I added electrolytes in my chick's water but I'm wondering if there's such thing as too much electrolytes for baby chicks? I only have 7 and added 1 packet to the waterer which is just slightly under 1 gallon of water. I don't want to screw up their diet or anything because I want the best health for my chicks so I l just want to be sure.

 

[Sequel]

I added electrolytes in my chick's water but I'm wondering if there's such thing as too much electrolytes for baby chicks? I only have 7 and added 1 packet to the waterer which is just slightly under 1 gallon of water. I don't want to screw up their diet or anything because I want the best health for my chicks so I l just want to be sure.

Make sure they have access to fresh clean plain water as well.

 

[Harun]

Make sure they have access to fresh clean plain water as well.

Unfortunately I don't have a second waterer, and even if I did, I wouldn't have enough space to place it due to my small brooder size. My plan is to add more plain water to dilute the electrolytes further. Do you think that'll work as an alternative?

 

[Sequel]

Unfortunately I don't have a second waterer, and even if I did, I wouldn't have enough space to place it due to my small brooder size. My plan is to add more plain water to dilute the electrolytes further. Do you think that'll work as an alternative?

Is there a reason you’re giving them electrolytes ? If there is no medical reason for them I wouldn’t bother with them. If it makes you feel you are helping them somehow then leave it for a few hours or till you’re sure they’ve all had a drink then go back to plain clean fresh water.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Is there a reason you’re giving them electrolytes ? If there is no medical reason for them I wouldn’t bother with them. If it makes you feel you are helping them somehow then leave it for a few hours or till you’re sure they’ve all had a drink then go back to plain clean fresh water.

I agree. If they’re totally healthy and upbeat there’s no need to give them electrolytes, though some people do anyway. IMO, if there’s no issue medically, it’s not worth the hassle.

 

[RoosterML]

I do not use two water containers for my chicks. I also do not use water additives for more than one day or one container whichever comes first. You should not be constantly giving them vitamin water or probiotics. Only as needed or if you see an issue.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If the ratio is a little off, I don't think it's a big deal. I never measured any electrolyte, vitamin, etc. mixtures for the chicks, just roughly eyeballed it, and everyone was fine.

None of these things should be used long term though. Electrolytes are good for newly shipped chicks, or dealing with stress (i.e. heat), but they should only be given for a few days, just enough to deal with any specific issue.

 

[3KillerBs]

Imagine if all you had to drink always was nothing but Gatorade. Wouldn't that be awful?

I gave my chicks electrolyte twice a week last summer because I was brooding outdoors in a central NC summer. But ALWAYS with plain water in another waterer.

IMO, if your brooder is too small to offer a second waterer then your brooder is too small, period. The chicks will rapidly double and triple in size and as they do your feeder an waterer will be knocked over simply because they're jostling for space in a confined area.

 

[Harun]

Is there a reason you’re giving them electrolytes ? If there is no medical reason for them I wouldn’t bother with them. If it makes you feel you are helping them somehow then leave it for a few hours or till you’re sure they’ve all had a drink then go back to plain clean fresh water.

Well, four of them are a bit lethargic.

 

[Sequel]

Well, four of them are a bit lethargic.

Oh I see. Did you get the heatlamp situated? If I remember you were going to raise it and/or move it a little so it wasn't overheating them.