Poultry Health and Feed Additives

There are many supplements on the market for your poultry.  Let’s talk about what kinds are the most important and how they can keep your birds happy and healthy!

Cinnamaldehyde, an organic compound that is derived from Cinnamon oil, has excellent antimicrobial properties and can suppress harmful bacteria in the gut. It also promotes enzyme secretion, which aids in nutrient absorption. 

Clove oil supports gut health, strengthens immunity, and promotes healthy growth. It is high in eugenol and acts as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant. This helps reduce heat stress, fight parasites such as red poultry mites, and improve feed efficiency as a natural alternative to antibiotics.

Garlic extract and raw garlic support chicken health by boosting the immune system, improving respiratory function, helping control internal parasites, and naturally repelling mites. Rich in allicin, garlic offers antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that promote gut health and enhance overall disease resistance.

Prebiotics and probiotics support chicken health by strengthening gut immunity, improving nutrient absorption, and helping combat harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. They promote healthy digestion, enhance egg quality and production, and help chickens manage stress by restoring and maintaining balanced gut flora, especially after antibiotic use. 

Calcium and Phosphorus are essential in maintaining good eggshell quality.  They can also help maintain good bone health. Maintaining a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, ideally 2:1, is essential because phosphorus helps the body absorb calcium, which makes up about 40% of an egg. Together, these minerals support strong bone and eggshell development while helping prevent issues such as thin or fragile eggs. Oyster shells work great for extra calcium!

Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant for chickens that plays a key role in supporting immune health, reproductive performance, and proper nervous system function. Because chickens cannot produce it naturally, it must be supplied through their diet. Adequate vitamin E helps prevent conditions such as encephalomalacia (“crazy chick disease”) and wry neck, while also improving tolerance to heat stress and supporting better fertility, hatchability, and egg production. 

Chili/Red Pepper Flakes are great when it comes to preventing parasites and all-around gut health. They contain capsaicin, which can help fight bacterial infections, improve circulation, and potentially act as a natural, mild dewormer. 

Molasses While Molasses may not seem like something you would want to give to your flock, it can really make a big difference in ensuring uniform consumption of your supplements.  It can also help the supplements stick to your birds’ feed.