Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria for poultry (12 bird pack)

Beryl’s Bacteria is a soluble powder containing a complex range of friendly bacteria which help to exclude disease causing bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli   and clostridium perfringens in the gut of chicks and adult hens.

Chickens, like humans, require a complete balance of  “friendly” bacteria in their gut to help maintain normal gut function and health. Without this protection they are susceptible to all sorts of harmful bacteria present in the environment.

Beryl’s Bacteria is a soluble powder containing a complex range of friendly bacteria which help to exclude disease causing bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli and clostridium perfringens in the gut of chicks and adult hens.

Chickens, like humans, require a complete balance of “friendly” bacteria in their gut to help maintain normal gut function and health. Without this protection they are susceptible to all sorts of harmful bacteria present in the environment.

Instructions for Use

Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria can be applied orally or in the feed. Once open use the complete contents of the pack immediately, as once exposed to air the friendly bacteria only have a limited life outside the hen’s gut. If giving the product following antibiotic treatment, allow a 48-hour period from the last day of antibiotics before administering Beryl’s, because the antibiotics will kill the friendly as well as the harmful bacteria.

Oral Administration

For up to 12 chickens, mix the contents with 15 ml (3 teaspoons) of water which is chlorine free. Chlorine free water can be obtained by boiling water in the kettle and then leaving it to cool completely or using deionised or mineral water. Use the syringe to dispense 1ml of the paste into each of the chickens’ beaks (you may need someone to hold onto the chicken while you are doing this).

Feed Administration

Mix the contents of the 12 bird sachet with  80 ml  (4 tablespoons)  of   vegetable oil, then mix  into 500g feed. Give the Beryl’s treated feed as the only source of feed until it has all been consumed. Then refill the feeder with plain feed.

We advise monthly use of Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria for optimum gut health

Is Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria necessary?

Disease causing bacteria, such as certain strains of salmonella and Clostridium perfringens, can cause illness, giving the birds diarrhoea and leading to dehydration. E. Coli commonly causes respiratory problems in hens. Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria becomes established in the gut and excludes the bad bacteria, reducing the likelihood of infection.

There are many reasons why the balance of gut bacteria gets disturbed. It may be due to  stress, change of diet, or if  they are treated with antibiotics. Giving as early in life as possible, and thereafter every 4 weeks, ensures that the perfect balance is maintained throughout the stresses and strains of everyday life

Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium are just two of the strains of salmonella which are commonly associated with human food poisoning. By protecting the hen from these bacteria, we also help protect ourselves. Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria helps to protect the eggs and it reduces the chances of cross infection to humans. Adequate cooking is also important.

All ‘Legbars of Broadway’ chickens are treated with Aviguard (the commercial version of Beryl’s), from week one, then monthly until the birds are transferred to a new home. This treatment has been followed for the past fifteen years, producing stronger chicks, and encouraging better development, and weight gain in the growers. The result is a strong, and vigorous adult hen, which is more likely to go on to enjoy a long and healthy life, combined with good management, and given the correct free-range conditions.

How does it work?

Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria colonise the chicken’s gut and prevent establishment by disease causing bacteria. When chicks are hatched and reared by the mother, they naturally pick up their mother’s friendly bacteria from her faeces, but most domestic chickens are hatched in incubators and so are separated from their mothers. They are therefore susceptible to whatever unhealthy bacteria are in their surroundings.

Origin of the brand name

Beryl lived in the Malvern Hills, where she kept chickens in her cottage garden. Some local scientists who wanted to develop a natural product to protect poultry from salmonella, using the competitive exclusion concept, used Beryl’s donor hens to help develop the product. After rigorous testing by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, the samples were certified safe and free of all  known avian pathogens. From this culture a master seed was developed, and each batch is produced from this by fermentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria the same as a probiotic?

No – probiotics are made from a single or small number of strains of bacteria and must be fed daily. Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria contains over 200 different friendly bacteria. Only complex cultures have been proved effective in their protective effect against harmful   bacteria.

Is Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria compatible with other products e.g. garlic-based products, water sanitisers/ disinfectants & antibiotics?

No – any product which has an antibacterial effect will harm Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria.

Why does Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria have a distinctive odour?

Beryl’s has a distinctive odour, so it is advisable to mix it in a well-ventilated room, or outside. The friendly bacteria are anaerobic and are smelly by nature.

When should Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria be used?

Beryl’s Friendly Bacteria can be used in the following situations:

• For day-old chicks to get them off to a good start and provide early protection against bacterial
• On transfer to the new home, as the stress of transportation, and moving to a new environment can disturb the gut This often shows as diarrhoea or wet droppings.
• Any serious stressful situation
• 48 hours after the end of antibiotic
• Monthly, thereafter, to maintain a normal balance and healthy gut

Handling and storage

Store in a refrigerator at 2- 8^oC when not in transit. Protect from light, raised temperature and humidity.