Molasses & chicks

[blackswamp]

Tomorrow is the big day we get our first chicks. I'm getting my brooder ready & the hatchery said to mix some Molasses in with there water.
My Questions:

1. Why mix in Molasses in there water?

2. How much Molasses do I mix in with one Quart of water?


Thanks
Jeff

 

[Hillschicks]

Ive never heard molassis mixed with water... Way i figure it chickens lived thousands of years without such things... Id give them straight water, maybe add a cap full of apple cider vinager

 

[Hillschicks]

*cap full per gallon

 

[Kilsharion]

About ¼ - ½ tsp per quart.

As for why they need it - it's kind of like why we give humans in shock something sweet to drink. It helps stabilize the system. They've been through a heck of a shock to their systems. The postal service is not nice to chicks in transit. The sweetening of the water helps stabilize their shocked systems. It will also give them an energy boost, which they could use, as well as give them a ton of nutrients. Molasses is full of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.


BTW, for some interesting information on molasses, you can check out this link.