Preventative measures, any recommendations?

[LCG Chicken Coop]

im a little overwhelmed with the amount of measures I can take to manage a flocks general health.

Does anyone have thoughts on which of these is highest priority or must haves? Anything that is too much, or “extra?”
-apple cider vinegar in water
- probiotics
- periodic deworming
- vitamins i.e. rooster booster type product
- DE for dust bath setup

Thanks in advance!

 

[imnukensc]

I don't use any of that stuff so I'm no help.

 

[azygous]

One of the most effective measures you can take to manage your flock's health is to ferment the feed. It makes available many more vitamins and nutrients and natural probiotics than anything else you can do.

I'd skip the ACV, the DE (which won't get rid of parasites), the regular worming since your flock may never have worms (mine hasn't in twelve years and you can always do regular fecal float tests to monitor for worms), and the extra vitamins and probiotics aren't necessary with fermented feed.

 

[Shadrach]

Hopefully you won't take offense if I rewrite your priorities list.
A secure coop.
A nearby vet that preferably will treat chicken but if not will undertake fecal floats and prescribe medication.
Space, be that free range, or in a run.
A balanced and varied diet.
Exercise.

Could be a list for a human couldn't it.
I don't use any of the measures or products you mention.

 

[Folly's place]

x2 on Shadrach's post!
Mary

 

[Acre4Me]

Secure coop and run are important. Even if they free range, they will benefit from a secure run space.

ACV - no real benefit, but no real harm (could possibly impact calcium absorption). Any water adds you choose should always be presented with just plain water too so they have a choice.

Good feed. Buy a balanced complete feed. Keep treats to less than 10%. For a full grown hen, this is less than a TBSP per hen. A bit harder to do if kids are involved (in my experience). And, there will be days you might give them more treats, but keep it minimal overall. Fermented feed...I’m not a fan and have no desire for the extra work involved, but no harm either, it’s a personal choice.

Know where you can buy the dewormer or other meds if needed. We have used Epsom salts, gauze, vet wrap, saline (sterile contact lens saline), betadine, and antibiotic ointment more than we ever thought.

Dust bath: dry stuff: coarse sand, wood ash, peat moss, sawdust all are good to add to the dirt hole the wil (or already have) duh. DE isn’t really good to breathe for humans or chickens, so I wouldn’t focus on that one, but ok to use as part of the dust bath.

You’ll get into a routine that works for you!

 

[Soy Milano]

The only thing I do on that list is DE in dustbath and my birds have been happy and healthy for years. This is because I keep their environment clean (which prevents build up of worms), probiotics are only necessary for chicks or if on antibiotics. ACV is a joke. Extra vitamins are only necessary for an extra boost when they are ill.

 

[rosemarythyme]

x2 on Shadrach's post!
Mary

x3, though many of us don't have vet services available.

I don't use any of the items on your list other than probiotics and vitamins on newly arrived chicks, and I have some vitamins on hand for treating wry neck since I had to deal with that.

Corid is something that would be good to have on hand or readily available (my feed store is minutes away), as well as a basic first aid kit with things like vet wrap, Vetricyn spray, epsom salts, etc.

 

[aart]

im a little overwhelmed with the amount of measures I can take to manage a flocks general health.

A lot of folks go too far....for no reason other than it makes them feel good(tho they don't know that).

Fresh well balanced chicken feed.
Clean plain water.

Having a few things on hand in case of emergency is a good idea.
Electrolytes/vitamins(like Savachick brand).
Rooster Booster brand Poultry Cell multivitamin.
Permethrin powder and/or spray for external parasites.
Search for 'first aid kits' for more extensive supplies.

 

[Folly's place]

Most drugs 'age out' and will be very expired if you ever actually need them. Concentrate on feeding a balanced diet, good spacious housing, and fresh unfrozen water.
A very few first aid items might be nice.
Mary