Supplements for Chickens

Vitamins are vital to a chicken’s health, supporting growth, egg production, and immunity. Without adequate vitamins, chickens can suffer from malnutrition, reduced egg-laying, and increased vulnerability to diseases. While a balanced feed, like Shur-Gain Homestead Layer Feed, should provide the necessary daily nutrition, certain situations and stressors may require the need for supplements.

When to Supplement Vitamins:

Environmental stressors can lead to vitamin deficiencies, especially when they cause chickens to eat less or disrupt nutrient absorption. Providing vitamin supplements during these times can help prevent these deficiencies. Consider supplementing your flock during the following environmental stressors:

1. Molting – During molting, chickens experience natural stress, which can reduce appetite and hinder nutrient absorption.
2. Environmental Stress – Factors like heat, cold, transportation, or predator attacks can suppress the immune system. Vitamins help support immune function during stressful times.
3. Illness – Sick chickens may eat less, leading to vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin supplements in water can aid recovery.

Why Vitamins Are Important for Chicken Health:

Chickens need a lot of vitamins in small quantities for proper growth, immunity, and reproduction. Vitamins help in essentials roles like bone development, egg production, and disease prevention. Chicks need vitamins for growth, while adult chickens need a steady supply to stay healthy and productive.

Key Functions of Vitamins:

• Strong bones and healthy metabolism
• Immune system support
• Balanced gut health
• Supports healthy metabolism
• Clear eyesight
• Healthy feathers
• Prevents nerve damage & paralysis
• Prevents hemorrhaging
• Essential for proper egg production

The Essential Vitamins for Chickens:

Chickens require two main types of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble. During times of stress, chickens typically go to water first, so providing a vitamin supplement in their water can encourage them back on track and eating again to prevent further health issues or deficiencies.

For laying hens, small amounts of crushed oyster shells can support healthy egg production by providing a calcium supplement. Oyster shells should make up no more than 10% of their daily diet. You can offer them on a free-choice basis, allowing hens to eat as much or as little as they need. If you notice that they are consuming more than necessary, remove the bowl after 15-20 minutes to prevent overconsumption.

Fat Soluble Vitamins:

Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the chicken’s body fat and used as needed. These vitamins can accumulate and lead to toxicity if consumed in excess, so it’s essential to monitor their intake.

Important fat-soluble vitamins for chickens include:

Vitamin A – Vital for vision, growth, bone development, and immune system support.

Vitamin D – Crucial for calcium absorption, which is needed for strong eggshells and bones. Chickens can naturally produce Vitamin D through sunlight exposure.

Vitamin E – An antioxidant that protects cells and supports immune and reproductive health.

Vitamin K – Essential for proper blood clotting.

Water-Soluble Vitamins:

Water-soluble vitamins aren’t stored in the body, so they must be replenished regularly through diet. These vitamins are less likely to cause toxicity since excess amounts are excreted, but deficiencies can occur if they aren’t consistently supplied.

Important water-soluble vitamins for chickens include:

1. Vitamin B Complex – The Vitamin B complex consists of eight vitamins. The B complex is essential for energy metabolism and overall health. The eight B-vitamins include:
   • Thiamine (B1): Helps convert nutrients into energy and supports brain and nervous system function.
   • Riboflavin (B2): Aids in energy production and B-vitamin synthesis.
   • Niacin (B3): Supports energy conversion and cell health.
   • Pantothenic Acid (B5): Involved in enzyme production and fat metabolism.
   • Pyridoxine (B6): Crucial for protein metabolism, immune function, and brain health.
   • Biotin (B7): Promotes healthy feathers, skin, and nails.
   • Folate (B9): Supports reproductive health and aids in vitamin and amino acid metabolism.
   • B12: Essential for red blood cell production and neurological function.
2. Vitamin C: Known for its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C helps reduce stress on the immune system and prevent disease. Chickens can produce Vitamin C naturally from other vitamins in their diet.

Common Vitamin Deficiencies and Symptoms:

Each vitamin is essential for maintaining a chicken’s health, with some vitamins working together while others serve specific roles. A deficiency in any vitamin can lead to symptoms related to its unique function in the chicken’s overall well-being.

• Skin & Feathers: Thiamine and biotin are two vitamins that help a chicken maintain healthy feathers and skin. Deficiencies in these B-vitamins can lead to increase in feather pecking, feather loss, and feather eating.
• Immune System Support: A lack of Vitamins A, E, and B6 can weaken a chicken’s immune system.
• Bone & Skeletal Health: Vitamins D, A, and B help support bone growth and calcium metabolism. Chicks especially need these vitamins as bone development is occurring more rapidly as they grow.
• Egg Production: Vitamin D, E, and Folate play an important role in reproductive health and egg production in hens. A lack of these Vitamins can cause a decrease in laying or an increase in laying related ailments like egg binding.

Recommended Supplement Line:

At Feeds’n Needs, we recommend Chick’N Swell™ supplements, which are 100% natural, safe to use every day and veterinarian approved. This line of chicken supplements offers natural essential oil products specifically developed for the maintenance of overall chicken health.

Chick’N Swell™ Benefits:

• Moisturizes and helps maintain overall health
• Supports immunity
• Contributes to eggshell quality
• Supports digestive health

Conclusion

Vitamins are essential for your chickens’ health, supporting everything from egg production to immune function. Ensure a balanced diet and use supplements when necessary to keep your flock happy, healthy and productive!

Source:
Chicken Care Sheet | PetMD
Products – Chick’N Swell Canada
Considering Chicken Supplements? Let’s Talk Vitamins for Chickens