[davepitch]

What is the thinking on the need for these to supplement normal feed?  I have read a whole variety of advice in books and there seems to be a massive array of different supplements.  Any thoughts on what best to give/use.

[happy chick]

I'm sure the others 'll be along to add lots more feed supplements that I've missed but the common or popular ones seem to be cod liver oil (feathers +condition),
poultry spice and poultry boost ( the former mineral, latter vitamin), apple cider vinegar( healthy gut function,immune system) and finally last but not least garlic in its many different forms.  Of course there's lots more but these seem to be the main ones.  Hope this helps
Adella

[poultrygeist]

We feed layer's pellets and don't as yet feed any supplements. This may change as they get older.

Rob

[Vember]

I agree with Rob with the right feed you should be ok

I do have thesome of the stuff in but tend to feel if you give this sort of stuff too often their bodies get used to it & then when it is needed it don't work as well :?

Sarah

[muntjac]

if your feeding them what they need then these supplements are a waste of money ,,,  chickens eat seed and green matter in what ever form you give it layers or whole grain with grit and oestra .why waste money on anything else  

[kimT]

I use pigeon conditoner when the girls are in moult etc as they hate Poultry Spice.

[muntjac]

i just give them loads greens ,,, lots minerals n vits in them. and when its free range comfrey its even betterer

[stickywicket]

I put a drop of apple cider vinegar in their water and they seem to like that.

[symond]

we were still living in the time of the “garden of Eden,” where the water and air was clean and pure, the food was organic, there were NO pesticides, genetically modified or refined foods, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, or soft drinks.Would we need to take a multivitamin

[stickywicket]

Well said!

[woodburner]

Variety is the spice of life.
Some plants and herbs have medicinal properties, and if chooks have access to them they will self medicate, just as they regulate their diet, given the opportunity. No 'balanced' feed and supplements will ever be as good for chooks as a wide variety of stuff to free range on.
Having said that though, that is the ideal and is not practical for everyone. A compromise should include as much fresh stuff as possible IMHO, Whether that's grass clippings, comfrey, fat hen, chick weed, garlic, lucerne, veg trimmings (potato peel should be cooked apparently so I don't bother with it) oregano, pumpkin seeds, sprouted wheat, it's all good.

[Foxy]

If you give than anything at all I would use apple cider vinegar particulary if your birds are free-ranging at all. ACV aids the birds immune system and helps make the gut resistant to worms and bacteria -things they could easily pick up just rooting around!

[chickadee]

mine have live yoghurt with friendly bacteria!! they love it soaked in bread or on it's own (bit messy cover themselves)