When Should you Supplement your Flock with Electrolytes?
In the heat of summer there’s warning signs when chickens are suffering from heat distress. Once you recognize these signs, consider them as reason to add electrolytes. Electrolytes are available in feed stores who carry retail poultry products, even Amazon will have it. You’ll find easy to follow instruction on the back label informing you how much to put in their drinking water. Simple!
Warning Signs Heat Distress
- Panting
- Holding their wings away from their body
- Combs and wattles a deep red
- Restlessness
Signs of Heat Stress | What to Do
Much more dangerous is Heat Stress. Below are the signs your chickens are in great danger and could possibly even die if you don’t act quick.
- Not eating or drinking
- Pacing
- Disoriented
- Wobbling
- Lethargic
- Dark reddish-purple wattles and combs
Submerse chicken in warm water (a 5 gal. bucket from Home Depot works nicely) and move bird to a shady spot. Don’t bring the bird indoors, it will only cause more stress when returned outside. A fan nearby would be ideal. Don’t try to force water, when the bird cools down it will drink on it’s own. Chicken feed is not important at this point, don’t push it, offer watermelon instead.
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TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources 