Sugar Water???

[77horses]

I've read that some people give young chicks(usually after hatching or after they are shipped from a hatchery) sugar water. Why? Is it like a boost for them or something? Do you have to give them sugar water?
Thanks! Just curious to know.

 

[chickensioux]

You don't have to give them sugar water, but if they have had a rough ship, they made need it for energy. It does wonders if the little guys seem stressed.

 

[Teach97]

yes it acts as a boost...most folks do it when recieving shipped birds...not it is notnecessary...usually...it can be bad if too much is given...think pasty butt. It is just a high energy boost that gets them moving and rehydrates

 

[77horses]

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OK thanks!

But how much is too much? Just wondering in case we need that extra knowledge this Summer, during hatching time.

 

[walkswithdog]

Electrolytes like Pedialyte have a better balance metabolicly and cause less pasting. Or the MannaPro's powdered electrolytes which I keep here now.

Karo is actually safer as a reviver than sugar-water. It digests more easily and causes less pasting.

While sugar-water is sometimes helpful in stressed chicks or worn out ones. If you have time and a chance to use something a tad more effective that causes less pasting those are the better options.

Raw honey is not an option, it contains bacteria dangerous to infants and young animals.

I only use Karo to revive a new hatched chick that is not making it. Then a couple of drops.

As was mentioned overuse of sugar will paste them up or cause real runs and paste them up.

 

[gritsar]

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