Making medicated water taste better?

[kari_dawn]

Quote:
Chickens don't have a great sense of smell...that shouldn't really have too much effect on them drinking it or not...molasses is a really good idea...It has a nice strong flavor, BUT I would be concerned at the iron content in molasses. I would choose gatorade over sugar, just because adding enough sugar to off-set the taste may have a negative effect on the balance of bacteria in the chicken's gut, vs. gatorade that provides the additional benifit of electrolites and some trace minerals, and won't draw as many insects like ants.

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
Chickens don't have a great sense of smell...that shouldn't really have too much effect on them drinking it or not...molasses is a really good idea...It has a nice strong flavor, BUT I would be concerned at the iron content in molasses. I would choose gatorade over sugar, just because adding enough sugar to off-set the taste may have a negative effect on the balance of bacteria in the chicken's gut, vs. gatorade that provides the additional benifit of electrolites and some trace minerals, and won't draw as many insects like ants.

Molasses acts as a flush in chickens and can cause diarrhea. Chicks/chickens drink less water in cooler temps and if they're sick, they wont drink at all. Then, dosing them has to be done the hard way with a needless syringe dosing with each bird one at a time 4-5 times a day. Cherry jello mixed in the water might help entice them to drink it, I've never had to do it though.

 

[ChicksOnBikes]

Depending on how many chickens you are treating, you can mix the meds in something else and leave the water alone. I had to give antibiotics once, and mixed it in 1-2tbsp of yogurt (cooked oatmeal works too) and fed it to the patients. That way I didn't have to worry about whether they drank all the water, or how long it took them to drink the water, etc. They will gobble the yogurt/oatmeal right up so it doesn't take very long.

 

[naakte]

I use DYNE high calorie liquid dietary supplement (made by trophy) for all my animals to make meds taste better, or for a little treat that is good for them.

 

[MoriahQuilts]

I've tried honey, molasses, sugar. Strawberry jello worked the best - 1-2 T of powder in a gallon of water. When only treating one I sprinkled the dose on scrambled egg, creamed corn, or cottage cheese, and she ate it right up. That wouldn't work for my whole flock tho - the piggies would get it all.

 

[mrpekinduck]

either jello, honey, or sugar should entice them.

 

[wbruder17]

I have been puttiing sweet corn kernals in the water. It is my chicks favorite treat, and they go nuts for it, especially in the water. The kernals also absorb some water, so they are forced to drink it, even if they are not thirsty. Has worked like a charm and it looks like I won't lose any from the bloody poo cocci scare.

 

[Im4Eggcellence]

Quote:
If you're giving tetracycline as the anti-biotic you should reconsider dosing it in yogurt or other high calcium food - the calcium can severely reduce the action of the tetracycline.