We only use a tablespoon to a gallon of water once a week in winter to boost immune systems. By I won't use it on these guys. Also soak feet once every couple of weeks to prevent mites and such. Seems to work well.... Or we are just fortunate in that department....?
What are the first distinctive traits I can look for between a Tom and hen?
Toms
Snood grows larger and capable of swelling , lengthening and turns deep red when aroused. Snood can retract into a cone shape.
Caruncles get bigger.
Head becomes bald other than some fine hairs.
In dark colored varieties the mature breast feathers will have a dark colored lower edge. Royal Palm males normally develop a black lower edge color on their breast feathers.
Legs are heavier than hens.
Body gets bigger than same age hens.
Hens
Snood retains horizontal "J" shape. It may enlarge slightly but even in mature hens with over sized snoods won't expand beyond the length of the beak. When retracted normally returns to horizontal "J" shape.
Caruncles are smaller than those of a male.
"Mohawk" develops. Feathers up the back of the neck and on to the top of the head. Some have more feathers there than others.
In dark colored varieties the mature breast feathers have a light colored edge.
Legs are more slender.
Body size tends to be smaller than same age male.
