Q Dear Practical Poultry, I have seen chicken tonics available at my local feed barn. Do these really work and would you recommend their use?

A Many different chicken tonics are readily available and all have been praised or criticised by different people in the past. Most contain a mix of vitamins and minerals, together with a myriad of other healthgiving compounds. But, if the basic nutrition of your birds is correct, they should get all the required nutrients from their normal diet, without the need for any supplements.
However, it's important to match the type of feed being used with the birds' stage of life (grower, layer, breeder etc.). Also, keep an eye on the 'Best before' date as vitamins do deteriorate if the food is out of date. Another golden rule is always to buy the best food you can afford to ensure the best dietary input possible. By all means try the supplements - many people I know use them and swear by them - but remember that the best tonic of all is a good, balanced diet.