Improving your chickens' immune systems to help them fight disease is as simple as incorporating certain foods and supplements into their regular diet.

A well-balanced diet consisting of age-appropriate feed and a steady supply of clean water is a solid foundation. You can satisfy your chickens' natural cravings by adding nutritional supplements, fresh herbs, fruits, seeds, vegetables, and grains, and they will eagerly flock to their feeders.

Despite being domesticated, chickens have an innate desire to rely on natural resources, so incorporating these "real" foods makes sense.

Antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as essential minerals such as zinc and selenium, are commonly found in immunity-boosting foods. Carotenoids, which are plant pigments like beta-carotene that convert to Vitamin A, are also present.

Now, let us look at some simple ways to boost your chickens' immune systems by adding a few extra nutrients to their diet.

1Create exceptionally stunning starts

Newly hatched chicks possess the nutrient-rich yolk inside the egg just before emerging, which supplies them with the most essential nutrients for approximately two days. The yolk serves as a crucial source of sustenance for the chicks until they peck at their initial feed, lacking only Vitamin C.

To enhance their developing immune systems, eggs are one of the most nourishing additions to a chick's diet. Mix a couple of scrambled eggs with minced garlic for an extra boost.

Whether you are caring for chicks in a brooder or with a mother hen, both will greatly benefit from the addition of some supplementary nourishment to their starter feed. Enhance their meal by sprinkling a small amount of probiotic powder, brewer's yeast, moistened oats, finely chopped dandelion greens, or chickweed, and blending it well.

Other excellent options to boost immunity and maintain a clean vent include cooked brown rice, sea kelp, sesame seeds, wheat germ, and raw oats.

Additionally, incorporating herbs such as oregano, parsley, cinnamon, mint, tarragon, finely chopped bay leaves, clover, sage, and Echinacea can be beneficial.

2The Use of Apple Cider Vinegar

One important practice for backyard poultry keepers is to introduce their chicks to water by dipping their beaks in it, which encourages them to drink.

Having a simple waterer is crucial for promoting the chicks' immunity. Adding a few drops of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) to the chicks' waterer a few times a week is beneficial for enhancing their resistance, digestion, and respiratory health.

ACV plays a preventive role in safeguarding backyard chickens from illnesses and effectively eliminates internal parasites. It creates an unfavorable environment for harmful parasites and aids in detoxifying the bloodstream, improving respiratory health, and possessing antibiotic and antibacterial properties.

3Hen Health: A Selection of Herbal Remedies

Herbs possess beneficial medicinal qualities that are advantageous for both humans and chickens. Incorporating herbs into the diet of your chickens is a reliable method to enhance their immune system and introduce variety to their nutritional regimen.

Bay Leaves are derived from the Bay Laurel tree and can thrive whether grown indoors in pots or outdoors. In terms of medicinal properties, Bay Leaves contain numerous essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and are renowned for their antiviral attributes.

Echinacea can be easily cultivated by starting seeds indoors or directly planting them in your backyard in late spring. It is a valuable ally in preventing common colds and fighting viral infections, making it a valuable herbal remedy for you and your feathered companions.

4Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Your chickens will love kiwi and papaya, as these fruits are not only delicious but also packed with vital vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. They serve as a delightful treat and beneficial dietary addition for your feathered friends.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce, and cabbage can greatly enhance your flock's immune system. Adding young spinach or sweet baby spinach to their diet can also be a wonderful inclusion.

Colorful capsicums offer a crunchy and enticing treat for your chickens. Garlic, known for its powerful immune-boosting properties, provides your flock with the necessary components to combat diseases and strengthen their overall health.

5Simplified Basic Seeds and Grains

For busy chickens on the move who are health-conscious and constantly foraging, seeds and grains make fantastic snack options.

Incorporating additional seeds and grains into your chickens' regular diet is a sensible choice because foraging chickens naturally consume seeds and grains frequently, showing their preference for these familiar food items.

Sunflower Seeds: Chickens love sunflower seeds, and it's no wonder why. These seeds are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and protein, making them a nutritious treat.

Pumpkin Seeds: These powerful seeds are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and protein, and they also serve as a natural wormer for chickens.

Additionally, chickens can enjoy eating the flesh of pumpkins. Just make sure to provide your pecking chickens with grit to aid in the digestion of the fibrous pumpkin flesh.

Flax Seeds: Flax seeds are a fantastic overall health food for chickens. They are filled with antioxidants, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Moreover, flax seeds promote egg laying, enhance feather condition, and reduce the risk of cancer in chickens.

Great Grains: There are several excellent grain options to choose from, such as oats, barley, malted grains, corn, and wheat berries. Grains are an excellent source of carbohydrates and immune-boosting minerals.

Moreover, chickens simply adore them! If you have a green thumb, consider sprouting your grains. It's a wonderful way to ensure that your chickens have access to fresh grains all year.

6Reactive Probiotics and Wonderful Fermented Nutrition

Including probiotics in your chicken feed is a simple way to give your chickens an extra boost to their immune systems.

But what exactly are probiotics?

In simple terms, probiotics are live microorganisms or beneficial bacteria that can improve the health of both feathered and non-feathered creatures.

When these active microorganisms are present in the digestive tract, they help maintain smooth digestion. You can find probiotics in powder or liquid form, which can be easily incorporated into your chickens' feed or water.

Another great way to introduce probiotics into your chickens' daily diet is by providing them with yogurt. Although chickens lack the necessary enzymes to digest the sugars in milk products, giving them plain yogurt occasionally is perfectly fine.

Yogurt is a rich source of protein, potassium, and calcium, and it also contains active probiotics for your chickens.

Feeding your flock fermented feed is an excellent way to promote their overall health and enhance their resistance to illness. The process of fermenting feed for farm animals has been practiced for a long time and offers numerous benefits to your chickens.

Fermentation increases the protein and vitamin content of the feed, makes it more easily digestible, improves the quality of eggs, and even leads to firmer droppings. Garden poultry and livestock keepers have been using this method for ages.

Important

Incorporate a variety of different components to create different combinations and keep your chickens happy with the diversity. Above all, take pleasure in knowing that you are raising robust, healthy, and active chickens that will be the pride and joy of your flock!