Supplements for Chickens
At first glance, Keeping Chickens 101 can seem simple—like most living things, they need food, water and shelter. Provide them with clean water, wholesome food and a good chicken coop with the right bedding and nesting boxes, and you’re doing well—right? While this will meet their basic needs, many people turn to supplements for chickens to ensure their birds are getting all the nutrients they need.
What are the best supplements for chickens, and how do you know if you need them? As our Chicken Care Sheet will tell you, one of the most important elements of the chicken diet is grit: Chickens do not have teeth, so eating grit helps them digest their food. An insoluble grit that’s enhanced with probiotics can help your chickens’ digestive process even more. Oyster shell is another type of grit that is a popular calcium supplement for chickens, especially laying hens, as it can help harden eggshells.
Lettings your eggs hatch instead of harvesting them? Supplements for chickens aren’t just for adults. Chicks can benefit from probiotic and electrolyte supplements that mix directly into their water. Check out our Chick Care Sheet for more tips on how to help your babies grow into strong adults.
There is one thing that both adult and baby chickens are prone to: pests. While you may not think of insecticides as supplements for chickens, they are an essential part of your toolkit. Permethrin, a popular option that kills mites and lice, is available in both powder and liquid forms. Ultimately, the best supplements for chickens depend on your needs. Visit your neighborhood Petco Pet Care Center or shop online today to get started.