Plain water for shipped chicks

[Kater_tot]

So I pick up my chicks tomorrow (just 6). I ordered them from my pet chicken and they say to just give plain water. Reading posts this evening and I'm seeing a lot of nutri drench, gro gel or electrolytes given to shipped chicks as pretty caution.
Our feed store doesn't have nutri drench, will my chicks be okay?
They did have Durvet DuraStat (sodium chloride, Citric acid, oregano, rosemary, sage) should I give that to them asap or take a wait and see approach.

They traveled from Ohio (dropped off at 3pm) to Nevada, we've had temps in the 80s, lowes of 60's and they will have been in their box for two nights.

Appreciate the help!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They should be fine with plain water

I do keep Poultry Nutri-Drench on hand IF I feel that a chicken may need a boost, but my chicks, they get plain fresh water.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I never give my chicks any of those additives, just plain water. That's chicks I received in the mail, chicks straight from my incubator I hatched, or chicks hatched by a broody hen. Clean water is important and they can dirty it up pretty fast, but I just don't do additives, whether to their water or food. If you read the posts on here you can find all kinds of things people regularly feed them or put in the water.

I have treated weak chickens (chicks as well as adults) with sugar water, actually I use hummingbird liquid since it is already mixed and I always have it available. The sugar provides a quick burst of energy that can help them recover. As a rule I treat chickens for conditions if I have a need but stick with the basics otherwise.

Putting some of that stuff in their first water will certainly not harm them. There is nothing wrong with doing that. If they are weak or stressed from the trip it will give them instant energy and perk them up. If I ever receive a shipment of chicks that is later enough to cause weakness I'd probably use that hummingbird liquid, but instead of putting it in the water I'd use a medicine dropper to put a few drops on the tip of their beak to make sure they were all getting it. If they are weak they may not be drinking.

If you decide to use anything, read the instructions. With sugar water dump it after several hours and clean the waterer so it doesn't go sour.

 

[Kater_tot]

Thank you! I just got overwhelmed with information lol.
I will get some to have for sick chicks but offer these guys plain water

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you! I just got overwhelmed with information lol.
I will get some to have for sick chicks but offer these guys plain water

It can be very overwhelming when first starting out. There is soooo much information "out there". I agree with @Ridgerunner there is nothing wrong with adding something like Poultry Vitamins to the water when you first get your chicks - a lot of people do.

Personally I save the additives to water/feed when there is a need. My chickens have plain fresh clean water everyday, so this is the way I start my chicks as well.

 

[Kater_tot]

Everyone arrived and drank some water and are now resting in their heating pad cave.
When they stop peeping I panic and check on them

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Everyone arrived and drank some water and are now resting in their heating pad cave.
When they stop peeping I panic and check on them

LOL I think that's something we all have done. Once you have had them a couple of days you will start to relax.

You're doing good- they all have had something to drink and found their cave

 

[Kater_tot]

I hope so, cause I don't know how I'll sleep lol

 

[lazy gardener]

If you can't find PND, you can buy goat ND. Sugar water is a good thing, especially if you have any weak ones after shipping. As other posters have said, there are plenty of ways to approach raising chicks: medicated or not, heat lamp or MHP, vitamins, lytes or plain water, ACV or plain, fermented or not... It all boils down to doing your homework, and then choosing the path that makes the most sense to you. No matter what you choose to do, there will be someone who is quick to tell you that their way is better. Enjoy.

 

[Kater_tot]

They seem good
I need a what to expect the first week guide lol

They are resting a lot under the heat,run around for a few minutes then go back to snuggling. Normal?