The gut health of your chickens is vital to their overall health and productivity. Integrating probiotics for chickens can contribute to a strong digestive tract, allowing for effective feed conversion and a fully-functioning and strong immune system.
Probiotics are live beneficial microbes such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium which are beneficial in encouraging a normal gut flora.
These helpful bacteria essentially take over and crowd out pathogens, aid in nutrient absorption, and provide immunity support.
In practical terms, means healthy, happy birds, hens producing a plentiful supply of eggs and chicks that grow fast and don’t get sick.
Probiotics and Chicken’s Gut Health
Probiotics are just living microorganisms that are already living in the chicken’s intestine. When we add them to the water or feed, it can help the bird’s own intestinal flora.
Good gut bacteria, like probiotics, assist in the digestion of carbohydrates and protein, release critical nutrients, and maintain a balanced gut pH.
Probiotics can improve the gut’s ability to break down carbohydrates and release energy.
Probiotics can also outnumber harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella because the digestive tract is full of beneficial microbes.
In a very general sense, good bacteria outcompete bad bacteria, so pathogens can’t attach to the gut lining.
Why probiotic is important for chickens?
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the chicken is its major organ for nutrient processing and immune response. A healthy gut means better feed conversion and better disease resistance.
Research shows that probiotics can greatly benefit the health of chickens.
For example, a University of Guelph study found that feeding probiotics in the diet of chicks in their first week of life stimulated their immune systems and reduced Salmonella bacteria in the gut by over 99%.
Probiotics also support birds to bounce back after stressors – they speed recovering from illness or antibiotics by rebounding the gut microbes.
In general, a healthy gut gives hens more energy to produce strong eggs and chicks more energy to grow, instead of dealing with infections.
Key Benefits:
Probiotics in chickens (and chicks) can:
- Protect against pathogens through competitive exclusion.
- Enhance digestion and nutrient uptake
- Improve immune response and
- Assist with production characteristics such as egg size and growth.
In practice, good keepers observe differences including healthier droppings and better appetite, and a better immune response whenever quality probiotics are fed.
For example, many users of a liquid poultry probiotic have noted not only well-formed and apparently odorless droppings, but also an increase in appetite, way, and recovery using antibiotics.
Probiotics can be thought of as a natural gut tonic: “good bacteria plus fermented acids” in the diet of your chickens.
When and How Often to Give Probiotics To Chickens
Because probiotics can help maintain balance, they are most beneficial when your birds encounter gut stress. Good times to use probiotics include:
Starting chicks:
New chicks normally have sterile guts (unless the chicks are hatched by a hen). These chicks need supplements without a natural boost of microbes.
Hatchery chicks that are given probiotics are less likely to spread diseases like Salmonella later in life.
During before or after stress or illness:
Whenever any bird experiences stress (e.g., relocating to a new coop, extreme heat, cold snaps, coccidiosis or respiratory illness, after a course of antibiotics or dewormer), the gut flora can be thrown out of balance. Probiotics can be added to prevent dysbiosis and support recovery.
Molting or high production:
Laying hens in particular often benefit from probiotic use every day to support nutrient uptake during egg production or to regrow feathers when molting. A healthy gut means more efficient use of feed, which can help maintain egg size and quality of shells.
Routine maintenance:
Some keepers give a low dose of probiotics on a daily or weekly basis to promote a healthy gut biome to keep ahead of issues.
How long to continue supplementation?
For baby chicks, many breeders treat the first 1–2 weeks of life (especially during shipping or brooding) with a probiotic-electrolyte water to help them adjust.
Adult birds can get probiotics whenever they might need support – often daily as a water additive or mixed into feed. Remember, consistency is key.
A small daily dose (e.g. 1 tsp per gallon of water) is more effective than a large dose given only when problems arise.
Giving Probiotics: Water, Feed or Treats?
You can deliver probiotics several ways:
Water:
This is generally the easiest, because probiotic powder or liquid will dissolve in their waterer, so every bird consumes it.
You can also add electrolytes to the same water for your chicks to replace minerals as many chick starter kits recommend.
Feed:
You can sprinkle probiotic powder on or mix it into their feed or crumble. Products like Manna Pro All Flock Crumbles come with probiotics already included.
Treats & Grit:
Some mixes have added probiotics to chick grit (i.e.: Manna Pro Chick Grit with Probiotics) or in treats. This will ensure they ingest the bacteria while eating the treats.
Whatever method you use, please use clean equipment. Be sure to change the probiotic water or feed every day to prevent spoilage.
If using powders, please keep the powder cool and dry, heat or humidity will kill the live cultures.
Tip: If you mix probiotic in water, set the waterer inside your coop for only a few hours and then refresh it to avoid unwanted fermentation.
Probiotics for Chicks vs Adults
Baby Chicks (0–8 weeks):
Young chicks have immature gastrointestinal systems, so a gentle probiotic blend is typically the best option.
For example, yeast-based products, such as FlockLeader Arrive, or probiotic powders designed specifically for chicks often contain live cultures and are designed uniquely for tiny birds.
You should provide probiotics to day-old chicks and feed them for the first one to two weeks at least.
If chicks appear weak, develop pasty vents, or stop eating, provide a probiotic/electrolyte mix (the products commonly sold for brooding) to restart their digestion.
Pullets, & Layers:
By the time pullets reach 6–8 weeks old, they should switch to adult formulations. Probiotics support growth in pullets and then egg production.
By providing the layer the right probiotics, in theory, her gut microbiome should be stable. If gut microbiomes are stable, the layer should consistently lay eggs and have fewer ‘off’ periods.
For adult chickens, birds should have access to poultry wide blends of probiotics (liquid or powder) to support health and egg quality.
Eggs do not have a ‘withdrawal’ time, probiotics simply pass through their system, and help keep the gut healthy.
Broilers (Meat Chickens):
Fast-growing broilers typically receive probiotics to improve feeding efficiency and meat quality. Any good probiotic for poultry will work, provided you do not upset their fast diet.
Because broilers are short-lived, probiotics are often used as a general preventative in their water.
The bacteria strains are typically the same for chicks and hens (most products will state Bacillus, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, etc.).
The major difference is that liquid formulations typically contain fermented ingredients (such as herbs, acids, etc) which may offer additional benefits like increasing the birds’ appetites.
Powder products have a longer shelf life. Use your preference, or the preference of your birds: most chickens will readily drink probiotic water or consume probiotic treated feed.
Natural & Homemade Probiotics for Chickens
Commercial supplements are convenient, but you can boost gut health with simple natural foods too:
Yogurt, buttermilk, fermented foods:
Plain (unsweetened) yogurt or buttermilk will provide some lactobacillus (in moderation), but once again, chickens do not have the enzymes to digest dairy, so it is not the best food to provide.
Too much yogurt can even cause sloppy droppings. A little yogurt in moderation is fine, I would just stick to the probiotic powder.
Fermented Treats:
Take kitchen scraps (fruit peels, left over cooked rice, grated veggies, etc) and toss into a jar of water to ferment.
One to two days later, strain out the liquid and use it to moisten the flock’s feed or water. Fermenting your scraps will pick up wild lactobacilli, which will benefit your flock.
Fermented Feed:
This is one of the easiest DIY methods for your chickens. Just take your normal poultry feed (whole grain or crumbles work especially well) and just cover it with water in a jar and let it ferment for 2-3 days.
Stir it daily. Your feed will become slightly sour, bubbly and have good bacteria multiplying in it. You can serve because moist or wet (some people will strain the feed & serve for a drier texture).
Fermented feed contains live probiotic cultures, which has many more digestible nutrients. The chickens love the moist fermented feed, and they can really put a dent in your feed costs. It can also reduce waste!
Whey or Kefir Water:
Leftover whey from making yogurt or cheese is a rich source of probiotic cultures. Just dilute your whey (or a small amount of kefir) into your water and let the chickens drink it.
Start slowly and don’t make the mistake of using whey all at once (it can turn the water sour). This is basically like an instant probiotic drink!
Furthermore, if we can feed prebiotics, then it should allow the good bacteria to flourish. Foods like ground garlic, onions (a tiny amount), oats, banana peel, or brewer’s yeast can serve as prebiotics.
Prebiotic fibres are not digestible by the chickens but “fed” to their probiotics. In practice, many keepers will treat some plain oats or unsweetened whole grain cereal.
So, if you want to do it yourself, you can ferment a portion of your feed or add a teaspoon of natural whey each morning for a boost.
Just use basic common sense when introducing these new food to the birds slowly and watch your flock’s response.
Few Best Probiotics For Chickens Online
If you prefer ready-made supplements, many top-rated poultry probiotics are available on Amazon. These are popular choices:
1. FlockLeader Arrive (water supplement for chicks):
- A DAILY SUPPLEMENT FOR A HEALTHY START: FlockLeader...
- HELPS ESTABLISH A HEALTHY MICROBIOME: Arrive...
- CONTAINS USA-GROWN, LIVE BACTERIA: Arrive is proudly...
- HIGH QUALITY INGREDIENTS: Arrive contains prebiotics to...
- SAFE FOR ALL POULTRY SPECIES: Add one teaspoon of...
Last update on 2025-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A liquid probiotic + prebiotic + plasma mix to be used in drinking water from day-old to 8-week chicks.
Use daily in drinking water. Intended for young birds, it facilitates the “seeding” of the gut with healthy bacteria early (the instructions from the creators recommend providing Arrive from day 1).
2. FlockLeader Thrive (water supplement for adult poultry):
- A DAILY SUPPLEMENT FOR A HEALTHY FLOCK: Thrive is...
- HELPS MAINTAIN A HEALTHY MICROBIOME: Thrive establishes...
- CONTAINS USA-GROWN, LIVE BACTERIA: Thrive is proudly...
- HIGH QUALITY INGREDIENTS: The probiotics, prebiotics,...
- SAFE FOR ALL POULTRY SPECIES: Add one teaspoon of...
Last update on 2025-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For chickens between 6–8 weeks and older. This product comes in the form of a powder that you mix with water daily.
Thrive is a mixture of gut-sourced probiotics and prebiotics to “support immune and digestive system function, improve egg production, and reduce harmful bacteria, waste and odor.” (Instructions for Thrive: 1 teaspoon per gallon of water).
3. Dr. Connie’s Poultry Probiotic & Electrolyte Powder:
- GUT HEALTH & HYDRATION FOR FARM ANIMALS: Promotes...
- 4+ BILLION CFU LIVE PROBIOTICS + ELECTROLYTES: Delivers...
- NATURAL, SAFE & NON-TOXIC FORMULA: Made with naturally...
- MULTI-SPECIES USE – CHICKENS, DUCKS, GOATS & MORE:...
- MAKES 500 GALLONS – SIMPLE TO MIX & USE DAILY: One...
Last update on 2025-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A common all-in-one chick starter supplement. Contains live probiotics and electrolytes for hydration.
Good for just after hatching, for the first few weeks of life or for any stressful event. (A lot of people who reviewed this product praise the ease of mix and dual hydration/probiotic mix).
4. HealthyGut Probiotics for Chickens (Equa Holistics):
- PROBIOTICS FOR POULTRY: HealthyGut Probiotics for...
- ALL-NATURAL SUPPLEMENT: This daily probiotic and...
- DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SUPPORT: Each container of HealthyGut...
- SINGLE DAILY INTAKE: Sprinkle the scoops of probiotics...
- NATURALLY, SIMPLY, PURE: At Equa Holistics, we are...
Last update on 2025-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a natural powder (sometimes sold as 30 scoops and 90 scoops). It says it has a “broad spectrum blend of probiotic bacteria that were carefully selected” to support digestion and the immune system.
You sprinkle it in water or in food, and it is marketed for the use of restoring gut health after antibiotic treatment.
5. Manna Pro All-Flock Crumbles (Feed with Probiotics):
- MIXED FLOCKS: This complete feed is formulated to suit...
- PROBIOTICS: This feed is crafted with probiotics for...
- CRUMBLES: Our crumble form makes feeding easy for any...
- NOTHING ARTIFICIAL: No artificial colors or flavors are...
- PROTEIN: This feed features a 16% protein level for...
Last update on 2025-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a complete feed (16% protein) for mixed flocks (chickens, ducks, etc.) that is also fortified with probiotics.
Feeding a probiotics fortified feed is a simple way to provide live cultures. Available in 25 lb bags, and it has 4,000+ reviews on Amazon.
6. Manna Pro Chick Grit with Probiotics:
- DIGESTIVE SUPPLEMENT: A must have supplement for young,...
- PROPER DIGESTION: Manna Pro Chick Grit with Probiotics...
- NATURAL SUPPLEMENT: Crafted with no artificial...
- SMALL SIZED: Insoluble crushed granite to a small size...
- 2 WEEKS AND OLDER: Provide Manna Pro Chick Grit with...
Last update on 2025-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Grit is used to help chicks grind feed, and this has probiotics. This can be sprinkled on treats, or provide in a separate grit feeder for younger birds.
7. Brewer’s Yeast + Probiotic Supplements:
- {Healthy Flock} Proper nutrition and a well-balanced...
- {Beautiful Feathers} Contains essential amino acids and...
- {Top Grade Eggs} Healthy Chickens and Ducks lay thick...
- {Strong Start} Specific duck or chicken vitamins and...
- {Made in USA} Veteran owned small family business with...
Last update on 2025-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Some products combine brewer’s yeast with either just probiotics or brewer’s yeast, probiotics, and niacin for chickens.
They claim to improve digestion, egg quality, and aid in recovery from stress/molting. (Ex.- Brewer’s Yeast + Probiotics + Niacin + Vitamins for Poultry supplement).
When selecting a product, consider the life stage of your flock and whether you want liquid or powder. Liquids (like FlockLeader) dissolve quickly in water, powders / crumbles mix quickly with feed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do chickens really need probiotics?
Not really, if they are in a perfect situation (diet and environment). However, most backyard flocks face many stresses: changes in weather, transport (chicks shipped), antibiotics, poor feed storage, etc. which impact gut flora. Purchasing probiotics is an easy insurance policy for gut flora. Probiotics provide balanced digestion and immunity. Probiotics primarily serve chicks and layers and generally do more good than harm.
Can baby chicks eat yogurt or other dairy?
Since chickens do not have the enzymes necessary to fatly digest lactose, it is recommended to avoid offering dairy to chickens. Giving chickens plain yogurt or buttermilk is not harmful (give it in moderation) and provides some beneficial bacteria, but if given too much dairy (as yogurt is dairy), then it can lead to diarrhea. Most experts with chickens usually recommend specialized poultry probiotics as opposed to dairy probiotics. If offering yogurt, use only plain, low-fat, unsweetened yogurt! Better yet, offer chicks a chick-specific probiotic in water; you can use electrolytes, if necessary, for hydration.
How long do I give probiotics to chicks?
Usually, I would recommend giving it during the first 1–2 weeks of life, especially if they come from a hatchery, or in cases of stress. Many breeders would give probiotics (typically with electrolytes) to the drinking water for chicks for at least the first week after hatch. As they develop and grow, they adopt their gut flora. However, you can continue in this way into the grower phase if you would like, or can switch to a maintenance dose.
Can baby chicks eat fermented feed?
Yes! Fermented chick starter is fine and healthy. Wild microbes from fermentation can also impart a probiotic effect. Strictly ferment only their starter feed (and no other grains), and introduce it to them gradually. The soak and stir process also creates lactic acid bacteria, which is beneficial. Watch your chicks the first time they have it – most love the moist, sour mash.
Are there any side effects?
Probiotics are very safe to use. I have found very few side effects, in rare instances, too much at once or a contaminated product may upset the gut (we will know this by some minor diarrhea for a day or so). Follow the recommended doses: once things are balanced, it does not help to give more. Make sure the products are made for poultry. Do not give bacterial supplements that are for use in other livestock.
Should I give electrolytes with probiotics?
For baby chicks, yes, especially in the first 48-72 hours or during hot weather. Electrolytes can replace the salts lost from dehydration. Many chick supplements contain both. Always give fresh treated water with any probiotics + electrolytes if the chicks traveled, were ill, or heat stressed. For older hens, usually plain probiotic water is sufficient unless the hen appears to be dehydrated.
Where do I buy chicken probiotics?
Most farm stores (Tractor Supply, feed stores) carry poultry products such as Manna Pro or Durvet probiotics. Amazon online store carries the brands above and others like Grubbly Farms Prebiotics + Probiotics for Chickens. Always look at reviews and try to choose branded poultry products as opposed to non-specific gut-health products designed for human or pet consumption.
Are there different probiotics for layers and broilers?
Not really. Most probiotics for poultry are labeled “all poultry” or “all flock.” The thing is, they have different nutrient needs, not different microbes. Broilers (meat birds) do well with probiotics that aid in growth and feed efficiency, while layers like strains that help with calcium absorption and immune health. With that, any broad spectrum poultry probiotics can work for either, just follow the dosing and form that’s right for the species.
Can I make probiotic water at home?
Yes. You can make a very basic “fermented tea” by soaking some raw apple cider vinegar (with the “mother” culture) in water for a day (bacteria cultures will reproduce in and on the raw apple cider vinegar). Alternatively, use rice or oat water, fermenting overnight to offer some lactic acid bacteria. Even so, these are not accurate methods. If you’re working with a purchased product, stay with the labeled instructions. However, homemade ferments (fermented feed, whey-water) are better than nothing, and much more convenient, both for safety and live cultures.
Are there probiotics in regular feed?
Many commercial chicken feeds already incorporate probiotics and/or prebiotics into the formulated ration. So your birds might be getting some of this with every bite, but it could be a small amount. Supplementing with probiotics will ensure they get an effective dose when they need it, such as during stressful periods.
Summary
Adding probiotics to your flock’s diet is an easy, yet effective way to improve their overall health and viability.
Probiotics (whether from commercial sources or homemade fermented foods) will help keep a healthy digestive tract.
These probiotics provide beneficial effects in a number of ways – compete with pathogens for space, increase nutrient uptake and utilization, support immunity, etc., and the end result is healthier birds, better feed conversion, and increased egg production.
Using probiotics has additional benefits in using them to compensate for the stressors associated with starting day old chicks, illnesses, molting, or high production stresses, etc.
Ultimately, a healthy gut supported with probiotics gives you chickens that are healthier, more productive, and more vigorous, and is an excellent tool for flock management.
