Vitamins?

moonshadow_dancer · **Posted:** Mon Nov 24, 2008 1:02 pm

What would be the best vitamins to give to chicks to help them stay healthy??

debbieo4914 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 24, 2008 2:48 pm

Hi Deb,

I just bought something today called "Avi-vite" which is a water soluble vitamin & mineral supplement for birds.

The only reason I bought it is that on the preliminary autopsy report on my poor chookies there was a suspected vitamin A deficiency. I haven't had this confirmed, but didn't really know how to go about fixing it if they are a bit short. I noticed that this product mentions vitamin A so thought I'd give it a go.

It's not really suitable for large numbers of birds, though, as it's designed for budgies, canaries etc that only have tiny little water containers - not big 8L bucket-things! I would also be interested to know if anyone has come across anything better. I have used Calcivet - a calcium/vitamin D supplement - in the water before, especially where chicks haven't had a lot of access to natural sunlight in their early weeks.

I had really hoped that chick/turkey starter and then layer crumbles (with grower crumbles in between if desired) would contain all the vitamins & minerals required but that autopsy report has me worried now.
:-?

Deb

County Lodge · **Posted:** Mon Nov 24, 2008 2:49 pm

I use "solvita" in the water and I get it from Bellsouth. When they are older I mix some "livamol" in with their treats a couple of times a week. I use livamol for the horses and use it for hte chooks as well as it has vits and mins and they love it.

moonshadow_dancer · **Posted:** Mon Nov 24, 2008 3:06 pm

Thank you to you both for your replies.

I think I have been hiding in a cave, I have never heard of either of those products.

I am really wanting something to help my little Poland chicks as I had one die on me yesterday.

The only vit I have heard of is pentavit (spelling?) which we use to use on orphaned Joey's.

On the Plosh site it mentions vitamins, and also chick starter mixed with budgie seed :shock:

I believe these breeds are a bit finickey and can perish fast if not given the right stuff.

County Lodge · **Posted:** Mon Nov 24, 2008 3:53 pm

HI Deb & Deb, Solvita is a vit and mineral supplement for poultry. It contains calcium and Vit A, Vit B1, B2, B6 & B12, plus Vit K3 and vit C and some other stuff. I think it is probably one of the best you can buy. I can't remember what livamol contains as I have thrown the bag out after I emptied contents into the bin. BUt it does also contain cod liver oil if I remember which is also high in Vit A.

I dumped the following from the livamol site.

AUSTRALIA'S LEADING COAT CONDITIONER FOR THE PAST 50 YEARS

See the difference within 14 days. For yearling preparation, show or stud stock or whenever horses need to look their best, LIVAMOL® is the secret ingredient.

LIVAMOL® contains a proven formula of oils and oilseed meals, all selected for their ability to improve skin and coat condition. A new richness of colour and sheen in the coat is produced in 14 days or less, generally matched by a brighter, more alert attitude.

'Cool' energy and good health is a promise LIVAMOL® can easily fulfil. Prime protein meals, blended with dried molasses and (cool) energy sources have been balanced with trace minerals and essential vitamins to produce a concentrated and nutritious feed additive.

An ideal way to provide the energy and protein horses need without the fizziness of grains. LIVAMOL® is highly palatable, helps stimulate appetite and can be added to all feed rations.

LIVAMOL® keeps them looking good and feeling good. Now in a range of zip seal and press seal bags.

PRESENTATION: A highly palatable rich red meal.
ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS: Each 200g portion contains:

VITAMIN A 30,400 i.u. VITAMIN B 12 6.4 mcg COPPER 3 mg
VITAMIN D 3 2,560 i.u. PROTEIN 40 g IRON 0.5 g
VITAMIN B 1 0.2 mg CALCIUM 8 g IODINE 17 mcg
VITAMIN B 2 0.4 mg PHOSPHORUS 4 g MANGANESE 20 mg
VITAMIN B 6 0.2 mg COBALT 15 mcg ZINC 5 mg
Average Digestible Energy (DE) 11MJ/kg.

PROPERTIES: The Animal Nutrition people at International Animal Health Products set themselves the task of combining high available energy with quality protein, in one product. The result is International Animal Health Product's LIVAMOL®. Using a unique technique for transforming liquid molasses into a convenient powder form, LIVAMOL® was created by the fusion of the 'Dried Molasses' as it was called, with prime protein meals. Cod Liver Oil, Calcium and Phosphorus and essential Vitamins and Minerals. The result is a rich palatable meal which is appealing to the animal.

The ingredients in LIVAMOL® include include a range of protein meals, molasses, pollard, limestone DCP and Cod Liver Oil. To this are added the trace elements Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Iodine, Cobalt, Copper and Vitamins A,D,B1,B2,B6 AND B12. The result is a concentrated and nutritious conditioning feed additive suitable for all animals and birds.

LIVAMOL® is especially appropriate for show animals, for young and convalescent individuals. The unique combination of ingredients in LIVAMOL® has a positive effect on coat condition and colour.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION: Feed LIVAMOL® mixed into feed or by free access in a seperate container. The rates given below are a guide - LIVAMOL® is a balanced feed, so more may safely be fed. Use LIVAMOL® in formulated rations - nutritional information is printed on each pack, or call / e-mail International Animal Health Products, for any further data required.

ADULT HORSES 200 to 500g.
FOALS 100g until three months old, then 100g per 100kg liveweight.
BEEF CATTLE 500g to 1kg (or up to 15% in ration).
CALVES 100g per 100kg liveweight.
DAIRY CATTLE 500g to 1kg (or up to 15% in ration).
ADULT SHEEP/GOATS 200g.
KIDS AND LAMBS 25g until three months old, then adult rates.
POULTRY Add into poultry feed up to 25% or provide free access, 1 to 2kg per 100 adult birds (domestic chickens)
PIGS May be incorporated in formulated Pig Feeds at rates of between 5 and 15%, or provided at 25g per 10kg weight.

MEAT WITHHOLDING PERIOD: NIL.

POISONS SCHEDULE: NOT APPLICABLE

REGULATORY STATUS: EXEMPT

PACK SIZES: 2.5kg, 10kg, 20kg, Multiwall Bags.

LIVAMOL® is a registered trademark of International Animal Health Products Pty Ltd.

debbieo4914 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:23 pm

Wow Rosemarie - great info thanks!

I did buy 1kg of Livamol a few weeks back but hadn't got around to getting feeding instructions, as the 1kg is just in a plain plastic bag from my local produce store.

Your info mentions Vitamin A so I'm definitely going to use it.

Thanks again.

Deb (the other one

)

debbieo4914 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:27 pm

moonshadow_dancer wrote:

On the Plosh site it mentions vitamins, and also chick starter mixed with budgie seed :shock:

I was recently told by a pekin breeder that he throws a handful of canary seed to his birds, especially when conditioning them for showing, so I've been adding a bit for my chookies lately.

Deb :-D

moonshadow_dancer · **Posted:** Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:42 pm

Thank you CL for the great advice, I will definitely be looking into this.

And to Deb #1 or #2 or vice versa, I am glad that I didn't sound to crazy about the budgie feed

Perhaps my little frizzles and araucanas can benefit from this info as well. 1 can only hope anyway :-D

debbieo4914 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:18 am

Is there any chance of making this a sticky? I think the Livamol info is invaluable, as well as the mention of other vitamins.

Deb :-D

moonshadow_dancer · **Posted:** Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:16 am

That sounds like a good idea, well at least a sticky on vitamins for poultry as any info was really hard to find.

Take Care
Deb

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