new chick food/water additives

[CT11]

Hi All

Any recommendations/opinions on additives to the feed/water for new chicks? If you are recommending, please include why its important.

Thank you

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I start chicks with the following in their first water.

Gro2Max probiotic powder. A blend of beneficial bacteria and yeasts formulated specifically for chickens. A chick raised by a hen will get probiotics from her. Brooder raised chicks don't have that advantage.
It benefits nutrition absorption and in my experience it prevents pasted vent.

Nutri-Drench is a vitamin, mineral and amino acid supplement that hits the bloodstream in minutes. I dose according to the instructions on the label.

I also provide grit from the beginning even though I only feed starter crumbles. It helps to develop the gizzard. Appropriate sized grit lodges in the gizzard and by extension yields more nutrition from the feed.

 

[chickens really]

I give clear water and starter feed. Why do you think they need additional additives?

 

[Broodygranny]

I give clean water and starter feed. I also put a small amount of buttermilk or plain yogurt in there. It has live cultures, and I usually have it in my fridge anyway.

 

[chickens really]

Birds can't digest dairy it causes the poops. A probiotic in powder form is best if needed at all..

 

[CT11]

I got 8 chicks on Saturday and have had to clean two pasty butts since. Came across a comment somewhere that said used additives to water to prevent. Of course now I can't find where I saw it so figured I'd ask here. And since I was asking, just though I'd broaden the question to any supplements people feel chicks should be getting and why.

 

[CT11]

I got 8 chicks on Saturday and have had to clean two pasty butts since. Came across a comment somewhere that said used additives to water to prevent. Of course now I can't find where I saw it so figured I'd ask here. And since I was asking, just though I'd broaden the question to any supplements people feel chicks should be getting and why.

 

[Fairview01]

Birds can't digest dairy it causes the poops. A probiotic in powder form is best if needed at all..

Absolutely not true. Another forum myth repeated so many times it has become fact. Chickens can not digest lactose. If milk is allowed to become clobbered they can digest it just fine. The bacteria consumes the lactose and in turn provide some degree 9f probiotics to the chicks digestive system.

 

[Fairview01]

I got 8 chicks on Saturday and have had to clean two pasty butts since. Came across a comment somewhere that said used additives to water to prevent. Of course now I can't find where I saw it so figured I'd ask here. And since I was asking, just though I'd broaden the question to any supplements people feel chicks should be getting and why.

Pasty butt is generally caused by environmental issues in the brooder. Too warm or too cool.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Or an improper balance of gut bacteria.