You want me to give what to my chickens?

So...My first summer of owning chickens was pretty hot. They were suffering pretty bad in the heat, especially my Brahmas and bigger breed chickens. I made them popsicles, froze vegetables and fruit with water and everything else a chicken lover could do. When urged by longtime chicken breeders to buy and keep on hand a commercial electrolyte solution, I did. (the shame of simply saying no is about the same as when you have your first baby, and telling a mom of 5 her advice may not be the best.) As with everything, I brought the package and began googling. To my astonishment, I discovered that potassium carbonate was an ingredient. To those of you who don't know what that is, let me just show you how it can be made..."naturally": 

Yes...The reaction that occurs when a battery is leaked, makes potassium hydroxide...which is used to make potassium carbonate.So...Since I try to use natural and organic processes and products whenever possible, this didn't seem like the best option for me. (Ever put your tongue on a battery?! Yea...Not giving that to my chickens!) Bananas work very well for potassium for me and my animals! The price was pretty stiff, too. And if you're like most people, you got into chickens to have cheaper, fresher and natural eggs. The recipe I use is below. Click here for a people friendly recipe.

Animal Electrolyte Solution 

INGREDIENTS 

1 cup water

2 teaspoons sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

DIRECTIONS 

Mix all ingredients...Using an old juice bottle or other plastic bottle allows you to shake the solution, mixing it completely, and store any leftovers easily. Otherwise, stir until completely. Keep any remaining solution in a closed container, in cool location for a few days.

If your chickens are showing signs of distress from the heat, use full strength, otherwise mix into their drinking water as needed, one cup per gallon of water.

Add this solution to water for your dogs, cats, rabbits, horses and other animals.

Note: If your animal is showing signs of dehydration, call your vet. Always use your best judgment. I am not a vet or medical provider. The recipe I am providing worked for me, in my situations, with my own animals.

Follow us, like us, share us. We are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens on Facebook. We are a local Middle Georgia producer of farm fresh fruits and vegetables and members of the American Poultry Association, licensed by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture as Poultry Dealers and Brokers, and a proud member of the Georgia Grown program, a division of the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture. We also breed, sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, with great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. An 1840's general store is situated on our property, and serves as our on-site farmer’s market. We have a large vegetable and herb garden, fruit orchards and more. Conveniently located off of Interstate 75 near the Johnstonville Rd exit (#193). We are six miles west, located in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia.

Special thanks to J. David Matthews, and my chickens of Barnesville, Georgia for support and patience with all that I try and test.