Nutridrench + Electrolytes + Egg Yolk?

[appleacres]

Hello,

I am a newbie-- expecting a shipment of baby chicks, very nervous because of the shipping delays with USPS. I have access to Nutridrench, and "Rooster Booster electrolytes, vitamins lactobacillus", eggs from the store, in addition to the starter feed. Will keep water lukewarm, check for pasty butt, and brooder is good temp. If the chicks have made it through 2-3 days of transport, would you recommend giving them a drop of Nutridrench directly, and then the electrolytes in the water? Or mixing nutridrench and electrolytes together in the water container? Is it OK to do a drop of Nutridrench when they first arrive and also have it mixed with the water according to the bottle? If I give it by mouth--how often? The side of the bottle leaves a bit to be desired in instructions for after-shipping care, which I know must be putting a huge amount of stress on them, especially with delays!

Thanks!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

For shipped chicks, when I first got them out of the box, if they are alert, I would introduce each one to the water station. I would offer cool water.
After you see them drinking and they settle in a bit, then I would give each one 1-2 drop of Poultry Nutri-Drench.

For any that are really weak, then I would go ahead and give them the Nutri-Drench right off the bat, but follow up periodically with drops of water.

To give drops, if this is your first time, I would use a QTip dipped in the vitamins or water. Press the QTip lightly against the beak and let a little liquid seep in, they will swallow. Go slow, there's no need to hurry. Another option is to use a small needleless syringe and drop a drop beside their beak letting them take it in.

IF they are lethargic and not doing well. You can add the electrolytes to their water, but I would alternate between plain water and electrolytes. When I give chicks electrolytes I usually on give those for about 1/2 day, then switch out. You can do this for a couple of days.

Hopefully you want have any issues. Shipping can be hard on them and I think you are prepared. Good luck!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would have Nutri-Drench mixed into the water at the start, for about 5 days, to deal with general shipping stress. If any chicks are noticeably lethargic compared to the others, then a drop or two at full strength directly in the mouth will give them a quick boost.