Pre-Biotic v Pro-Biotic

Exercise and myself have a decidedly frosty relationship. I'm far too lazy for all the running, cycling and lifting of heavy things, a necessity to be healthy in this modern age. Frankly, it all rather looks like too much work, if you ask me. Plus the smooth sounds of James Taylor on my generic MP3 player is more likely to put me to snoozing, as opposed to running five miles.

Ducks in the Field

I have however taken a different tactic, I try to eat as healthy as possible. Salads, fruit and lots of rice dishes. But what I have never been able to get on with is the little pots of yogurt that you're meant to drink everyday. They just taste horrible to my taste buds. It has led me to wondering though, what is the difference between a prebiotic and probiotic?

Biolink Tonic

The world of chicken keeping isn't that different either. There are several poultry tonics advertising themselves as being Prebiotic or Probiotic aids for your flock. But what is the difference?

After a little investigating the difference is actually fairly simple. A Prebiotic is a general term that applies to things which promote and induce the growth of beneficial micro-organisms that help the well-being of the host. A Probiotic is a term that covers things that actually contain the beneficial microorganisms already. So, if its a Prebiotic you're helping them grow, if its a Probiotic you're hens are just drinking or eating them directly.

The Biolink Prebiotic Multivitamin Poultry Tonic 500ml is a liquid complement for laying chickens. The Prebiotic is introduced into the intestine ensuring a suitable environment so the beneficial bacteria can take up residence, giving your hens a much needed boost. It also contains antioxidants to aid in strengthening the immune system and and multivitamins for the general well-being of your bird. At a dosage of 15ml per 2 litres of drinking water it goes a long way when feeding to a bird for a period of 3 - 5 days.

Net-Tex Mineral Supplement

At the other end of the scale is the Net-Tex Mineral Powder 450g, with probiotics and seaweed, for a complete nutritional diet. Containing Probiotic Saccaromyces Cerevisiae, high in protein, amino acids and B vitamins, the Probiotics stimulate extra immune protection for your girls. The added seaweed aids in eggshell quality, while the limestone and grit help the chickens all round natural condition. A rounded teaspoon added into the feed will aid around 15 birds a day, while you should add the Net-Tex Mineral Powder 450g to feed roughly twice a week for maximum benefits.

The difference in the end between Prebiotics and Probiotics is fairly simple, and both will aid your hens in being healthy. If you have any questions about supplements to give your hens why not leave a comment below or call us at Flyte so Fancy on 01300 345229.


Thanks for Reading
James