vitamins in chick's water

[startingaflock]

I have read a few post about putting vitamins in chicks water. I am just wondering what these people use. I have also read about electrolytes in the water. Should I use these and what ones should I use? Any help is appreciated. I will have baby chicks the middle of March and want to make sure that I have everything ready before they hatch!

 

[crazyhen]

The ones who use vitamins use polyvisol WITHOUT IRON . I am not sure how much. I wish I had used it with my hatchery chicks one developed sometype of def. and has very crooked toes. Otherwise she is healthy and laying up a storm. The electrolytes are used in the summer by some because of the heat. Good luck with your little ones. Enjoy them everyday because in no time they will be big hens. I love them too. Gloria Jean

 

[Happy Chooks]

You can use poly-vi-sol baby vitamins WITHOUT iron. But there is also Durvet Vitamins and Electrolytes. It's a powder and you mix it in the waterer. I got mine at my feed store.

 

[hen-thusiast]

We also use AviaCharge, got it from Stromberg's. They've got a great selection of vitamin/electrolytes.

http://www.strombergschickens.com/products/medication.php

Just remember it's not something you use everyday. We used a basic electrolyte for the first couple of days, then slowly decreased it. We now use it once a week or so (they're now adults).

 

[startingaflock]

If I use the poly vi sol, how much do I add to their water?

 

[bigstack]

I have the same question. How much in quart waterer? I also have the gallon for when they get bigger. I got my poli-visol no iron at wallyworld. $6 or $7. I just dont know how much to add to waterer. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated! I go into lockdown on Feb. 11.

Thanx and God Bless!

 

[RM44]

I use "Vi-tal", a vitamin supplement with electrolytes. I ordered it from the hatchery when I ordered my chicks and I have been using it every day since they arrived. I use 1/4 tsp per gallon (half the strength they recommend for the first few days of a chick's life). I've read mixed opinions about using electrolytes, and that is one reason I use 1/2 strength. (I've heard you can overdo the electrolytes and cause harm to the chicks.)

My chickens will be 8 weeks old tomorrow and they are huge and healthy. I still have over 1/2 the package, and I plan to use it every day until the package is gone. I'm glad I've been using vitamins in their water.

 

[Opa]

I like using Poultry Drench.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I use either Vi-tal (sp?) or the Durvet brand. Normally I just give it for the first 2-3 days after they hatch out.

 

[KathyK]

I have noticed that the hatcheries recommend NOT giving electrolytes for the first 2 days. I'm wondering if that is to be sure they are drinking plain water first (maybe the lytes don't taste so good?) I picked up some Durvet to have on hand just in case. Should I give this right away when I get the chicks?, wait 2 days?, or only give it if they look puny?
Thanks