4 Best Probiotics for Chickens in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Quick Comparison Table
| Image | Product | |
| Best Overall |  | HealthyGut Probiotics for Chickens |
| Best Quality |  | FRESH EGGS DAILY Poultry Probiotics Feed Supplement |
| Best Multi-Purpose |  | FlockLeader Recover 911, Electrolyte Probiotic Prebiotic Oregano |
| Best Value for Money |  | Durvet Healthy Flock Poultry Probiotics |
Key Takeaways
- The #1 Best Overall probiotics for Chickens are the HealthyGut Probiotics for Poultry, All-Natural Digestive System Dietary Supplement
- You can have both probiotics and Chicken feed in one supplement
- Probiotics can be an essential tool in relieving stress in Chickens.
If you’re a chicken owner, you know that your feathered friends deserve the very best. A critical aspect of their care is ensuring a healthy digestive system.
That’s where probiotics come in. By adding probiotics to their diet, you can promote gut health and support optimal digestion.
This blog post will explore the best probiotics for chickens available in the current market, allowing you to provide your poultry with the exceptional care they merit. So let’s get started:
1. Equa Holistics HealthyGut Probiotics
- A unique blend of probiotics, prebiotics, oregano, and electrolytes helps alleviate severe stress symptoms
- Improves chicken health by easing inflammation, digestive issues, and dehydration
- Contains live bacteria through a unique drying process, ensuring the bacteria stay alive and viable throughout the entire shelf life
- Safe for all poultry species
- Early detection and treatment of signs of severe stress in backyard chickens
2. FRESH EGGS DAILY Poultry Probiotics Feed Supplement Vitamins
- All-natural source of probiotics for chickens and ducks
- Aids digestive and immune system health
- Increases nutrient absorption and healthy weight gain in poultry
- Reduces the smell of ammonia and odors in manure
- Formulated by experts and recommended for chicks, ducklings, and goslings up through laying age and beyond
3. FlockLeader Recover 911, Electrolyte Probiotic Supplement for Chicken Flock
- RECOVER 911: Probiotics, prebiotics, oregano, and electrolytes alleviate severe stress symptoms in chickens.
- Eases inflammation, digestion issues, and dehydration to improve overall chicken health and prevent further stress.
- Early detection and treatment of extreme panting, appetite loss, egg reduction, dirty eggs, lethargy, isolation, and pasty butt.
- Contains live bacteria with a unique drying process for extended shelf life.
4. Durvet Healthy Flock Poultry Probiotics
- 100 grams of daily chicken probiotics
- Suitable for all ages and species of backyard chickens
- Supports avian digestive health and nutrients absorption
- It’s easy: One scoop or one packet per gallon of drinking water
- Contains a source of live (viable), naturally occurring microorganisms, plus essential vitamins and electrolytes
Poultry Nutri Top Picks for the Best Probiotics for Chickens
#1 Best Overall: Equa Holistics HealthyGut Probiotics
In our opinion, the best overall option is the Equa Holistics HealthyGut Probiotics
The HealthyGut Probiotics is an all-natural dietary supplement designed by Equa Holistics to promote healthy digestion, support the immune system, restore gut health, and support the microbiome of birds.
It comes in a powder form with a chicken flavor that makes it easy to administer to the birds. The supplement is dairy-free and is ideal for bird owners who want to keep their flock healthy.
Pros | Cons |
A unique blend of probiotics, prebiotics, oregano, and electrolytes helps alleviate severe stress symptoms | Some customers found the product to be expensive |
Improves chicken health by easing inflammation, digestive issues, and dehydration | Some customers did not like the taste and smell of the product |
Early detection and treatment of signs of severe stress in backyard chickens | |
Safe for all poultry species |
Specifications
- Powder form
- Allergen-free
- Add one teaspoon per gallon of water during times of moderate stress or hot weather
#2. Best Quality: FRESH EGGS DAILY Poultry Probiotics Feed Supplement
In our opinion, the best quality option is the Fresh Eggs Daily Poultry Probiotics
This lab-formulated supplement is designed to support digestive and immune health, egg quality and production, and nutrient absorption in poultry of all ages, from day-old chicks to laying hens.
With benefits like improved eggshell thickness and quality and reduced ammonia smell, Fresh Eggs Daily Poultry Probiotics Feed Supplement is a smart investment for any backyard chicken keeper.
Pros | Cons |
Provides balanced diet and beneficial nutrients for healthy chickens, ducks, and geese
| May not be effective if used alone without other supplements or a balanced diet
|
Formulated by poultry experts in a lab for optimal effectiveness
| May be more expensive than other poultry feed supplements on the market
|
Supports digestive and immune health, egg quality and production, and nutrient absorption
| |
Can improve eggshell thickness and quality and reduce ammonia smell
| |
Convenient feeding instructions and packaging |
Specifications
- Brand: Manna Pro
- Age Range: All life stages
- Target Species: Chickens
- Item Form: Pellet
#3 Best Multi-Purpose: FlockLeader Recover 911, Electrolyte Probiotic Prebiotic Oregano, Severe Stress Supplement
In our opinion, the best multi-purpose option is the FlockLeader Recover 911, Electrolyte Probiotic Prebiotic Oregano, Severe Stress Supplement
Introducing FlockLeader Recover 911, the electrolyte probiotic prebiotic oregano supplement for your chicken flock. Backyard chickens can experience severe stress due to various reasons like predators, weather changes, and germs.
This is where Recover 911 comes in to support and improve the health of your chickens. The distinctive combination of beneficial bacteria, prebiotic substances, oregano, and electrolytes effectively mitigates the signs of intense stress, such as dehydration, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
The supplement is also designed to detect early signs of stress and prevent further complications, making it a must-have for chicken owners.
However, it’s essential to follow the dosage instructions, as the supplement is best used during times of moderate to severe stress.
Pros | Cons |
Unique blend of probiotics, prebiotics, oregano, and electrolytes
| May not be effective for mild or moderate stress
|
Eases inflammation, digestive issues, and dehydration triggered by severe stress | Exact dosage may vary based on the size of the flock
|
Quick recovery and reducing the risk of further stress
| May not address other health issues that require specific supplements or medications.
|
Contains live bacteria that are protected and preserved through a unique drying process
| |
Suitable for all poultry species
| |
Can be added to water during times of moderate stress or hot weather
|
Specifications
- Brand: FlockLeader
- Flavor: Chicken
- Item Form: Powder
- Target Species: Chicken
#4 Best Value for Money: Durvet Healthy Flock Poultry Probiotics
In our opinion, the best value-for-money option is the Durvet Healthy Flock Poultry Probiotics.
Introducing Durvet Healthy Flock Poultry Probiotics, the all-in-one solution for supporting the digestive health and nutrient absorption of your backyard flocks.
With its unique blend of live microorganisms, essential vitamins, and electrolytes, this supplement is suitable for all ages and species of chickens. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to use – just one scoop or packet per gallon of drinking water. Keep your flock happy and healthy with Durvet Healthy Flock Poultry Probiotics.
Pros | Cons |
Suitable for all ages and species of backyard poultry
| No information provided on specific strains of microorganisms included in the supplement
|
Supports avian digestive health and nutrient absorption
| Some customers may prefer supplements with additional ingredients, such as oregano or prebiotics. |
Contains live microorganisms and essential vitamins and electrolytes
| |
Easy to use with just one scoop or packet per gallon of drinking water
|
Specifications
- Brand: Durvet
- Age Range: All life Stages
- Target Species: Birds
- Item Form: Powder
Honorable Mentions
Manna Pro Chick Grit | Digestive Supplement for Young Poultry to Support Digestion
- Supports proper digestion
- Includes probiotics to aid in digestion
- A natural supplement with no artificial ingredients or preservatives
- Suitable for growing poultry and bantam breeds
Manna Pro Chicken Feed | 16% Chicken Food with Probiotic Crumbles, Chicken Layer Feed | 8 Pounds
- Supports optimal egg production with 16% protein content.
- Packed with probiotics for gut health.
- Crumble form is easy to intake for mixed flocks and reduces waste.
- The formula is free of artificial colors and flavors.
How to Choose the Right Probiotics for Chickens
Consider the type of probiotic.
There are two main types of probiotics: live and inactive. Live probiotics contain live bacteria that can help to improve the gut health of your chickens.
Inactive probiotics do not contain live bacteria, but they can still help to improve gut health by providing nutrients that support the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Look for a probiotic that contains multiple strains of bacteria.
A probiotic that contains multiple strains of good bacteria is more likely to be effective than one that only contains a single strain. This is because different strains of bacteria can have different benefits. For Example: Bifidobacteriahelps to support the immune system, Limit the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestine .etc and Lactobacillushelps to control the population of bad bacteria.
Choose a probiotic that is specifically formulated for chickens.
Probiotics that are specifically formulated for chickens are more likely to be safe and effective. This is because they are designed to take into account the unique digestive system of chickens.
Read the label carefully
Be sure to read the label carefully before you buy a probiotic. This will help you to make sure that you are getting a product that is safe and effective for your chickens.
Difference Between Probiotics & Prebiotics
Probiotics refer to food items or supplements that consist of live microorganisms, aiming to uphold or enhance the presence of beneficial bacteria (known as normal microflora) within the body. Probiotics contains strains such as Lactobacillusand Bifidobacteriumwhich are associated with probiotics formulas.
Some of the natural sources of probiotics include:
- Garlic
- Berries
- Onions
- Leeks
- Oats
- Asparagus
- Dandelion greens
- Legumes, beans, and peas
- Jerusalem artichokes (not the same as regular artichokes)
- Bananas
Prebiotics encompass foods, typically high in fiber, which serve as nourishment for the microflora residing within the human body. They are made up of carbohydrates that the body cannot digest. They are a type of fuel for the good bacteria in the gut to grow.
Some of it’s examples include:
- Kombucha tea
- Kimchi
- Kefir (dairy and nondairy)
- Sauerkraut
- Unpasteurized pickled vegetables
- Some types of unpasteurized pickles
Why are Probiotics important for Chickens?
A chicken’s digestive system plays a pivotal role in preserving its holistic well-being.
While the digestive system fulfills vital tasks such as food breakdown and nutrient assimilation, it can also serve as a conducive habitat for the proliferation of bad bacteria.
Consequently, incorporating probiotics into a chicken’s dietary regimen is imperative for sustaining optimal health.
Benefits of Probiotics
Incorporating probiotics into the diets of chickens and other birds can have a significant impact on their health and well-being.
Some of its research-backed benefits are:
- As per a study published by the National Institute of Health, probiotics have demonstrated notable benefits in chickens, including improved weight gain, enhanced feed efficiency, and reduced disease incidence.
- Studies have shown that probiotics can improve digestion, boost the immune system, and increase overall growth and development in poultry.
- One study found that feeding broiler chickens a probiotic supplement improved their weight gain, feed conversion, and immune response.
- Another study showed that probiotics reduced the incidence of infectious diseases in poultry. By adding probiotics to their diets, poultry farmers can improve the health of their flocks and potentially increase profits.
- Probiotics given to baby chicks reduce the risk of Salmonella in eggs and disease later in life.
Potential Risks and Limitations
Providing your chickens with probiotics can have some risks if it’s used at an improper time. Some of the potential risks are:
- Probiotics can interact with other medications that your chickens are taking. It can interfere with the absorption of an antibiotic which can lead to difficulties in treating an infection.
- It can cause an allergic reaction in some chickens like diarrhea, vomiting, and skin irritation.
- Some chickens may not have the right conditions in their gut for probiotics to survive and thrive.
- Probiotics are not a cure-all for all health conditions. They may help to improve overall health, but they cannot treat specific diseases.
- The effectiveness of probiotics can vary depending on the strain of good bacteria, the dose, and the health of the chicken.
To prevent the risk and limitation try to provide natural probiotics for chickens.
Conclusion
To sum up, the utilization of probiotics in chicken husbandry has experienced a surge in popularity in recent times due to their potential to bestow numerous advantages on the overall well-being and productivity of the avian population.
Given the multitude of options available, discerning the most suitable probiotic supplement for your flock can be a challenging task. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that probiotics are not a one-size-fits-all remedy.
The specific requirements of your chickens will hinge on various factors, including their age, breed, and living conditions.
Seeking guidance from a veterinarian or poultry specialist can prove valuable in determining the optimal probiotic regimen for your feathered companions.
FAQs
There are several good probiotics available for chickens, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii.
These probiotic strains have been found to promote a healthy gut microbiome in chickens, aiding digestion and supporting immune function. One way to add a nutritional boost to your chicken’s food is to include natural Probiotics.
To make probiotics for chickens, you can ferment organic materials like grains, herbs, or vegetables using a lacto-fermentation process.
This involves creating an anaerobic environment that encourages the growth of good bacteria. Alternatively, you can purchase commercially available probiotic supplements specifically formulated for chickens.
While apple cider vinegar (ACV) is not a probiotic itself, it can have some beneficial effects on chickens’ health. ACV contains acetic acid, which may help maintain a healthy pH balance in the gut and improve digestion. However, it is important to note that ACV should be used in moderation and as part of a balanced diet for chickens.
Yes, giving chickens probiotics can be beneficial for their overall health. Probiotics help promote a balanced gut microbiome, enhance digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and support a strong immune system.
It is recommended to choose a high-quality probiotic supplement specifically formulated for chickens and follow the recommended dosage instructions for optimal results
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