Tums? Why do we give them and how?

[purpletree23]

I've seen a few references regarding Tums. Why do the chickens need them and what is the best way to give it to them if they do need it. One more item to add to my mega chicken first aid kit when I get more information.

 

[chickensioux]

Maybe other folks will have different answers, but I have only used Tums as a jolt of calcium for an eggbound hen. Per my vet. That's the only reason I am aware of but perhaps there are others too.

 

[purpletree23]

Thanks chickensioux. I'm sure others will chime in. Darn smart people here.

 

[speckledhen]

When you have a hen with serious egg issues, a crushed up Tums is recommended as a shot of calcium for her. I have done that and put it in yogurt to get her to eat it.

 

[kcfuerst]

I seriously question the safety of giving a chicken Tums with all the other chemicals that are in them made by humans. If a jolt of calcium is in order, it could be preferable to use crushed oyster shells, also mixed with yogurt as Speckled Hen does. Oyster shells are 100% calcium, natural and safe. Just a suggestion.

 

[speckledhen]

When I was trying to figure out what was wrong with one of my hens (was an internal layer, we found out, and later did die from it) the Tums was recommended by dhlunicorn, who probably has some article to back that one up, as she does most everything. This was last year sometime. I have tried the oyster shell in oatmeal and yogurt, the powder that comes off the shells anyway, but they refused to eat it, probably because of the chalky taste. That was not to be a regular thing, just a "maybe it will help" last ditch effort with this hen. She did temporarily get better and then months later, was too ill to continue.

 

[dlhunicorn]

Quote:
yes indeed (as always) I do (and this is not the only reference):
http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00352.htm
Chronic Egg-laying (Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference)
Teresa L. Lightfoot D.V.M., Diplomate ABVP - Avian
"....Supplemental calcium should be supplied, such as oral calcium glubionate (Neo-Calglucon , Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NY) at 1.0 ml/kg BID, a calcium enriched antacid (Tums ), or judicious use of a calcium/Vitamin D3 powder, such as Osteoform. A total dietary percentage of 0.3% for egg-laying birds is generally sufficient to prevent calcium deficiency. Note that many formulated diet labels contain only 0.05% calcium. ..."

DO NOT USE ROLAIDS as it has magnesium (and quite a bit too) use the regular TUM product as its only active ingredient is the calcium

 

[speckledhen]

Thank you, Diana! I was sure you'd have that reference.

 

[kcfuerst]

Good to hear. Tums in a pinch it is, then.

Sorry you lost your gal in the end, tho.

 

[speckledhen]

That girl I treated with the Tums did live another six or seven months and was laying again, then stopped and began to lose weight. I've lost several to internal laying, sadly.