There are moments in the chicken year when your flock has more to cope with: the moult, a heatwave, a move to a new coop or the arrival of new birds. For such periods, you will find supplementary products from Excellent here: Vit Liquid Multivitamine Hobby in 100, 250 and 500 ml bottles, Electrolyte mix for small livestock and Garlic Allicin Liquid. They are additions to good feed and clean water, not medicines.
Which product for which moment?
| Situation | What to think of |
|---|---|
| Moult in autumn | Multivitamin as a temporary supplement, alongside protein-rich feed |
| Hot days | Electrolytes in the drinking water, plus shade and cool water |
| Transport or new flock | Multivitamin or electrolytes to support the transition |
| General care | Garlic extract, as many hobby keepers use it |
Choose the bottle size according to your flock: the 100 ml bottle is enough for a small flock for one period; the larger bottles are more economical with more birds or if you use it more often. Always follow the directions on the pack for dosage and duration of use.
How to give it via the drinking water
Mix the product into fresh water and do not make up more than the chickens will drink that day. Use a drinker that is easy to empty and clean, because sugars and vitamins in the water encourage algae growth. Put the drinker in the shade. If you have several drinking spots, treat the water in all of them, otherwise the chickens will simply drink from the untreated one.
Points to note
A complete layers feed already contains vitamins and minerals; giving extra only makes sense in special periods. More is not better. A chicken that stays lethargic, does not eat or loses weight despite good care needs a vet instead of a supplement. Paleness can also point to red mite or other mites; check the coop first. All care products are under chicken health.
Frequently asked questions
When do you give chickens extra vitamins?
During periods of extra strain, such as the moult, heat, transport or merging flocks. With good layers feed, it is usually not needed outside those times.
What are electrolytes for in chickens?
In warm weather, chickens lose fluid and salts. Electrolytes in the drinking water help replace them.
Can I give vitamins and electrolytes at the same time?
Follow the pack of both products. If in doubt, give them one after the other and consult your vet.