minerals (electrolyte replacement)
During times of severe heat stress, when chickens are panting and drinking a lot of water, they can be given minerals (electrolyte replacement) in their drinking water to help compensate for the loss. Electrolyte replacement is also very useful in cases of severe diarrhea and some other problems.
You find all the background at the website DIETARY ELECTROLYTE BALANCE in POULTRY (DEB)
There are several recipes around which can easily be made at home.
This one is from Gail Damerow: "The Chicken Encyclopedia", Storey Publishing, 2012
| potassium chloride | salt substitute | 1/2 teaspoon |
| sodium bicarbonate | baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| sodium chloride | Table salt | 1 teaspoon |
| sucrose | sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| water | 1 gallon (3.8 Liters) |
A slightly simpler but similar recipe has been published at just fowling around and shared widely on the internet. My chooks love it.
| sodium bicarbonate | baking soda | 1/8 teaspoon |
| sodium chloride | Table salt | 1/8 teaspoon |
| sucrose | sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| water | 1 cup |
this is equal to
| sodium bicarbonate | baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| sodium chloride | Table salt | 1 teaspoon |
| sucrose | sugar | 4 tablespoons |
| water | 2 Liters |
Electrolytes are also commercially available for large poultry producers. Selectolyte® consists of Sodium bicarbonate and Potassium sulphate.