[brrian]

Hi again over the last few weeks I have read loads about suppliants potions and powders to maintain healthy chicks. They are about 14 weeks and up to press I have only feed then with grower pellets they are confined to a run at present but hope to free range when we are in and they can give the local cats a run for their money. I am hoping for a list of essentials to give the chicks  a healthy life hope you can help thanks

[daisy1990]

If they have a well balanced diet (growers pellets then layers pellets) and occasional treats (greens, corn, mealworms etc) in small amounts they dont need supplements.  Some people like to add things like Cider Vinegar to their water and others have suggestions for tonics for when hens become unwell, but like in humans supplements are not necessary if a balanced diet is taken and the hen is not ill

[hillfooter]

You can switch them to layers pellets at about 17 weeks.  Fresh clean water each day and otherwise as daisy says they will do fine.

You will need to worm them around 4 times a year if you keep them on the same ground.  Flubenvet is the standard wormer which is safe and works effectively on a broad range of different worm species which many organic wormers don't.

Red Mite is the other scourge of chicken keepers and chickens.  Don't waste your money on ineffective powders sold over the counter at feed merchants. Use a pesticide on the house which has a residual effect.  Checkout this site when you need information on an effective treatment.

HF

[Lindeggs]

I agree with daisy and Hillfooter - the commercially-available foods are really all they need for a balanced diet, along with plenty of fresh, clean water.  Everything else is optional.

I am one of the people who likes to feed a bit of this and a bit of that, just because it's fun and interesting and might have some benefits.  But I agree there is a huge amount of information out there, and it can be very confusing, so just stick to the basics and your chickens will be fine.