Hydration & Nutrition

Best Practices for Coordinating a Successful AquaBeads® Trial

Best Practices for Coordinating a Successful AquaBeads® Trial

AquaBeads® can significantly impact the early performance and overall health of your poultry flock. Coordinating a successful trial is a great way to gather data and calculate potential ROI before you purchase product. Here's a clear guide on how to successfully coordinate your AquaBeads trial.

Determine the Correct Application Rate

Start by establishing the appropriate dose based on bird type:

Poultry Species Suggested Serving Size (g/bird/day)
Broilers 0.5 – 1.0 g
Turkeys (poults) 1.0 – 2.0 g
Layers (pullets) 1.0 – 3.0 g

Each 34 lb pail contains 12,000 grams of usable beads, so a single pail covers:

  • 24,000 broilers at 0.5 g/bird
  • 12,000 turkeys at 1 g/bird
  • 6,000 pullets at 2 g/bird

Adjust the number of pails needed based on your flock size and intended duration (1–3 days). Request free product for a trial here.

Preparing AquaBeads for Application

Proper preparation of AquaBeads is crucial for consistent results. If applying AquaBeads by hand, drain the brine by drilling about 15 small holes in the lid, inverting the pail, and allowing the liquid to drain for about a minute. If applying using a Scotts Drop Spreader, simply drain the pail by pouring it into the spreader.

Effective Application Techniques

  • Timing: Apply AquaBeads within a few hours of bird placement to maintain their moisture content and attraction.
  • Distribution: Evenly spread AquaBeads across supplemental feed pans or on starter feed placed on paper-covered floors. Avoid clumping; beads should be individually dispersed to maximize accessibility and intake by birds. For best results, we recommend modifying a Scotts spreader and rolling the beads out evenly on starter feed paper.

Here's what AquaBeads should look like when applied:

AquaBeads applied by hand on supplemental feeding trays.

AquaBeads applied with a slotted soon on supplemental feed paper.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Clumping Beads Together: Clumps limit bird access and increase competition. Spread beads evenly for equal access.
  2. Premature Application or Drying Out: Applying beads too early allows them to dry, reducing appeal. Only apply fresh beads shortly before placement.
  3. Insufficient Feed: Not providing enough supplemental feed can distort trial outcomes.

Trial Documentation and Coordination

  • Team Briefings: Ensure all team members understand dosage, preparation, distribution, and monitoring.
  • Detailed Records: Keep accurate logs of application times, amounts used, environmental factors (temperature, humidity), and bird performance metrics.
  • Performance Tracking: Regularly document feed intake, body weights, feed conversion ratios (FCR), and early mortality rates.

Next Steps and Resources

For personalized consultation or tailored trial support, contact ClearH2O directly. Our team is ready to ensure your trial is successful and your results reliable.

By meticulously following these best practices, you'll ensure that your AquaBeads® trial delivers measurable, repeatable, and valuable results, setting a clear path toward healthier birds and stronger performance metrics.

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Reading next

Instruction Guide: How to Apply AquaBeads® X for Improved Poultry Performance
Instruction Guide: How to Modify a Scotts® Drop Spreader for AquaBeads® Application