In this post I will show you multiple simple ways to boost your chicks immune system. I use all these methods with my chicks and have seen that they work well to boost their overall health.
Simple Immune boosting treats
My chicks love foods that are different from their hum drum crumbles. Not only are these treats loved by the chicks they also are great for their health. Here are some simple treats that my chicks absolutely adore.
Oatmeal, garlic, and cayenne pepper
You will need to grab some rolled oats, granulated garlic, and cayenne pepper. Mix one cup oatmeal and one-half teaspoon of both garlic and cayenne pepper. I stir all these together and serve them to the chicks dry. The oatmeal is a good source of fiber and can prevent pasty butt in chicks. The garlic is great for the immune system and acts as an antibiotic. The cayenne is good for immune system and increases blood circulation.
Dandelion, chickweed, plantain, and other weeds
You will most likely be getting chicks in the springtime which is when weeds will start popping up too. My chicks love green treats in the spring (or any time for that matter). Dandelions are great because the entire plant is edible. Chickweed was named chickweed because chickens adore this herb. You can even give them some grass. Just make sure that the weeds you give them have not been sprayed with chemicals.
Lettuce, spinach, and other greens
Chicks will eat these up just like the weeds. If you have extra lettuce, spinach or other greens just give them to your chicks. Both weeds and greens have many beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Dandelion tea
This is a super fun treat to make for your chickens. You simply gather dandelions (roots, leaves, and flowers) pour hot water over them, let cool to room temperature and serve. This tea has the same benefits as feeding dandelions.
Soil
While this may not sound like a treat it is great at boosting immune development. It is known that to build an immune system you must first be introduced to pathogens. By introducing soil early in chicks lives you build their immune system. I usually take a small pot outside and gather soil from my garden. The chicks will scratch and "bathe" in the dirt. Make sure that you collect soil that is from your yard and not potting soil from a bag.
Apple cider vinegar water
ACV is a great probiotic to feed your chicks. The ACV has probiotics and other healthy nutrients that will give your chicks good gut health. It has even been said that ACV prevents Coccidiosis. Simply mix one and a half tablespoons ACV (with the mother) in one gallon of water. Make sure to dilute the ACV as stated, otherwise you can harm the chicks.
Fruits
Fruits like bananas, grapes, berries, and watermelons are all wonderful for the immune system. My chicks all go crazy when they are fed these fruits. I simply throw the fruits in whole (except for the bananas and watermelon...of course) and let the chicks tear them apart.
Yogurt and oregano
There is debate on whether you should feed dairy products to chicks. Therefore, I only feed this to them sparingly. To make this treat you will need Greek yogurt without flavorings or sweeteners and oregano. Mix some oregano in with the yogurt and let the chicks go to town. This also gives the chicks more probiotics. Warning: Chicks will make an absolute mess of the yogurt; expect clean up!
Other simple and healthy habits for your chicks
Here are a few other ways you can keep a healthy flock. Keeping up with this care for your chicks will pay off greatly. For a flock with excellent health make these tasks a habit.
Frequent trips outdoors
My chicks love a trip outdoors in the spring sunshine. These trips let them discover the outdoors which is a good source of entertainment for you. I do not take them outside until they do have some feathers on them which is usually in the second week. The first trips are usually only a few minutes long, but this lets the chicks get some fresh air.
Clean brooder
Although being introduced to soil and such is good for their immune system a filthy brooder is not. I clean my brooder out on a weekly basis. To do this I remove the chicks, clean out the soiled bedding, add new bedding, clean water dispensers and feeders, and then add the chicks back in. Making this a habit will ensure your flock is healthy.
Properly heated brooder
Chicks need certain temperatures to maintain a healthy immune system. Every week the brooder will need to be a bit cooler than the previous week. Here is a chart showing what the temperature should be until they are moved outdoors.
| Week | Brooder Temperature |
| 0 to 1 week | 93oF to 95oF (34 to 35oC) |
| 1 to 2 weeks | 88oF to 90oF (31 to 32oC) |
| 2 to 3 weeks | 83oF to 85oF (28 to 29.5oC) |
| 3 to 4 weeks | 78oF to 80oF (25.6 to 26.7oC) |
| 4 to 5 weeks | 75oF (23.9oC) |
| 5 to 6 weeks | 70oF (21.1oC) |
| 6 weeks and older | Comfort Zone 50oF to 70oF (10 to 21.1oC) |
Stress free chicks
Stressed chicks are more susceptible to illness and diseases. Things that can cause stress are being handled too much and over stimulation. Simply put just be gentle with chicks, they are babies.
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