Adjusting birds’ water in the summer can help them continue to thrive as temperatures rise, and Sav-A-Chick products has some tips to help keep chickens hydrated and reduce heat stress this summer.

“On average, a flock of seven adult birds should drink one gallon of water per day. Water is a great opportunity to provide additional nutrients,” says Julian (Skip) Olson, DVM, technical services manager for Milk Products. “To keep your birds hydrated and healthy, I recommend adding electrolytes, vitamins and probiotic supplements right into the water, especially during periods of heat stress.”

Electrolytes are an especially important nutrient for chickens. Comprised of minerals and alkalizing agents, they play an important role in controlling fluid balance in the body.

“Electrolytes are especially important in the summer or during times of heat stress because our bodies use them quicker,” says Olson. “The same is true for our chickens. When temperatures heat up, they often use electrolytes more quickly. To keep electrolyte levels stable, be sure water includes an electrolyte additive during times of heat stress.”

Electrolytes should be added right into the birds’ water. Sav-A-Chick Electrolyte and Vitamin Supplement Packs can be added directly into one gallon of water.

Adding probiotics to your birds’ water is another way to help reduce heat stress this summer. Probiotics can help with digestion by they providing beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

“By populating the digestive tract with beneficial bacteria, pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella and Clostridium have less room to grow,” says Olson. “Adding probiotics to the water can help build beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. The more good bacteria in the digestive system, the less room for harmful bacteria.”

Sav-A-Chick Probiotic Supplements can be also added to chickens’ water for three days each month. Dr. Olson recommends adding both electrolytes and probiotics to the watering schedule during the hot summer months.

“Adding probiotics to the water three days per month is a simple and inexpensive way to help chickens thrive,” he says. “My top recommendation is to use a combination pack that includes both packages of electrolytes and probiotics.”