Just a few questions

[shell3]

hi sorry im probly being dim

but heres my question:
1, electrolites- where can i buy these? what are they? can anyone give me a brand name so i can search for it?
2, i ordered some DE from amazon, it says food grade. is that all i need to check for it to be safe or should i be checking the label for anything else?
3, vitimins, what vitamins are people using to add to the water when the hens are under the weather? again brand name would be great.
4, (and last) what do i do with the DE when it arrives? put it in the dust bath? in the sleeping area? sprinkle it in the run? and can you use however much you like or should you limit it?
thank you

 

[southerndesert]

Here is one source for electrolites as well as vitamins... http://www.strombergschickens.com/p...lyte-Concentrate/Poultry-Vitamins-Supplements

Food grade DE is the right stuff

You can use DE in all places mentioned, we use in moderation here, we also use it in food bins to deter weevils.

 

[shell3]

excellent! thank you very much

 

[Mrs. K]

I don't use electrolytes, vitamins or DE.

Give them good food, good bedding, good water, good air and good light, protect from wind and predators.

Collect eggs.

MrsK

 

[shell3]

thanks mrsk. i do try but ive had a very sick hen for the last month, i dont know what caused it so i just want to make sure i have everthing on hand that i may need. what do you consider good bedding? i only have a tiny night coop and only three hens. ive been stuffing it with woodshavings for warmth as we have snow at the moment. i stopped giving hay as i think eating it may have had something to do with her crop issues. i was shreeding paper as bedding but dont now for the same reason!

 

[shell3]

 

[Mrs. K]

If you have had a sick hen for a month, I really think that you should dispatch the hen. Some animals are chronically sick, and really are a place to harbor disease. If your other hens are doing fine, I would get rid of her. I really don't think that the vitamins, electrolytes or anything else is going to help.

Is your coop in a building? Do they have a run outside? That small of a coop should only be used for laying and sleeping, even with three hens. I see you call it a night coop. But are they getting outside?

Bedding I use is old hay, stuff spilled in the hay yard. It has never bothered any of mine.

Mrs

 

[shell3]

yes thats just to sleep in they have a run the coop is inside it. havnt got a pic of it to hand but is one on my profile.
think shes on the mend now its been hard going but shes doing much better. id never get rid of her if i have a chance of saving her,shes family, the other two are perfectly healthy. ive only got three.
woodchip seems to do a fine job, dry,warm, and i change in every night. x

 

[shell3]

found a pic, not a greaat one

 

[farmin4fun]

What are the symptoms of your sick chicken? If we knew the symptoms we might be able to help ya out more.