Probiotics and Electrolytes

[StarChicken]

I've been giving Electrolytes & Probiotics (in the little packages from Tractor Supply) to my chicks since they were 3 days old. They're now two weeks old.

How long should I continue with this?

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

If they're healthy and eating an appropriate diet, you could discontinue them. I offer probiotics throughout my poultry's lives to keep their guts healthy, but generally only offer electrolytes after the first week following hatch if a hatchling has residual weakness and needs the additional support.

Supplements like Sav-A-Chick are good to have on hand in case of future injury or other emergency (like overheating in hot weather).

Best of luck.

 

[Auntbessy]

My chicks have hatched with my broody silkie - last year I did the same and didnt give probiotics or electrolytes - just chick crumb, water - I am in France, so not sure if these products are available and worth doing?

 

[StarChicken]

If they're healthy and eating an appropriate diet, you could discontinue them. I offer probiotics throughout my poultry's lives to keep their guts healthy, but generally only offer electrolytes after the first week following hatch if a hatchling has residual weakness and needs the additional support.

Supplements like Sav-A-Chick are good to have on hand in case of future injury or other emergency (like overheating in hot weather).

Best of luck.

Thanks for the info. I'll discontinue the electrolytes, but like you, I know that probiotics are good for their tummy.

These little mutts (guy tried to reproduce his ISA Browns) are growing like little weeds and feathering nicely.

 

[StarChicken]

My chicks have hatched with my broody silkie - last year I did the same and didnt give probiotics or electrolytes - just chick crumb, water - I am in France, so not sure if these products are available and worth doing?

I'm sure it may not be necessary all the time, since I've been around chickens when I was a kid, and those things weren't available way back then. Chickens did all right without them, but I'm sure they had more selections of food, since they were free range.

 

[Auntbessy]

I'm sure it may not be necessary all the time, since I've been around chickens when I was a kid, and those things weren't available way back then. Chickens did all right without them, but I'm sure they had more selections of food, since they were free range.

I panicked as thought I should be doing something that I’m not - I do give live yoghurt to my chickens even though I know it’s generally not thought to be great for them but they all love it !

 

[StarChicken]

I panicked as thought I should be doing something that I’m not - I do give live yoghurt to my chickens even though I know it’s generally not thought to be great for them but they all love it !

I just read somewhere that live yogurt is good for chicken tummies. Since I make my own yogurt, that's something I can do for my chicks when I make it for myself. They get a share!

 

[Auntbessy]

I just read somewhere that live yogurt is good for chicken tummies. Since I make my own yogurt, that's something I can do for my chicks when I make it for myself. They get a share!

Yes I thought it was but read other things that said it wasn’t that beneficial but they love it and it doesnt seem to do any harm as they are all healthy so I think it’s ok

 

[StarChicken]

Yes I thought it was but read other things that said it wasn’t that beneficial but they love it and it doesnt seem to do any harm as they are all healthy so I think it’s ok

Yup! I just looked it up. The article did stress "in moderation" which means I should give it to them only every few days.

 

[Auntbessy]

Yup! I just looked it up. The article did stress "in moderation" which means I should give it to them only every few days.

That’s what i do - seems to work out ok ...