Maintaining a healthy gut microflora is fundamental to the overall well-being of birds, influencing everything from weight gain and energy levels to disease resistance and recovery speed. Beneficial gut bacteria play a dual role: they aid in nutrient absorption, maximizing the caloric and nutritional value of food, while simultaneously suppressing the growth of harmful pathogenic bacteria. When this delicate balance is disrupted, birds can experience significant health setbacks.
Several factors can negatively impact avian gut health. Stress, whether from extreme weather, molting, breeding, or the demands of racing, can alter the gut environment. Dietary changes and inadequate nutrition can lead to deficiencies in beneficial bacteria populations. Medications, including antibiotics and dewormers, while necessary for treating illnesses, often do not discriminate between good and bad bacteria. Therefore, it is crucial to repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria after such treatments. Illness itself can directly harm the gut or indirectly through stress, dehydration, and loss of appetite. Lastly, poor living conditions, such as overcrowding and unsanitary environments, can stress birds and expose them to pathogens. Birds with outdoor access may also encounter diseases and harmful bacteria from wild birds and insects.
Studies consistently demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of probiotics for birds. Probiotics can lead to improved weight gain and overall health in birds kept in less-than-ideal conditions. They can enhance resistance to common avian diseases like salmonella, E. coli, Candidiasis, worms, and coccidiosis in chickens, pigeons, and other caged birds. Hand-reared chicks supplemented with probiotics exhibit healthier gut bacteria and increased resilience to stress and disease. When combined with electrolytes and vitamins, probiotics have been shown to halve the recovery time for racing pigeons returning to the loft. Furthermore, using probiotics after administering medications such as antibiotics and dewormers hastens recovery and helps prevent subsequent infections.
Strategic Use of Probiotics for Preventive Care
The most effective approach to avian health is prevention, and probiotics are an indispensable component of any comprehensive bird health management program. For laying hens, breeders, racing pigeons, and show birds, administering probiotics every two to three weeks can contribute to a healthier, more robust flock. This practice can also reduce disease and infection within a coop or loft and optimize feed efficiency. Avian probiotics should also be a go-to supplement during periods of breeding, molting, racing, or when birds are experiencing stress or illness.
2 Pak Probiotic with Acid is recognized as a leading multi-strain probiotic for birds in Australia. It features Protexin©, a sophisticated avian probiotic blend comprising eight strains of bacteria and yeast specifically chosen to enhance the health of poultry, pigeons, and other bird species. The inclusion of organic acid stabilizes the pH, acidifying drinking water and offering additional protection against disease transmission among birds.
Don’t wait for your birds to fall ill; integrate 2 Pak Probiotic with Acid into your pigeon or chicken health management program today.
Product Details: 2 Pak Avian Probiotic (200 g)
This product comes in a 200 g bottle, providing up to 200 doses. The Protexin© Probiotic is uniquely approved by national registration in Australia for administration to birds, including pigeons, chickens, and other caged birds. Its active ingredients comprise Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Enterococcus faecium, Aspergillus oryzae, and Candid pintolepesii. All the bacteria and yeasts have been specifically selected for their critical role in avian intestinal health. Extensive research and development have led to a probiotic formulation with special “protection” mechanisms, ensuring that the maximum number of beneficial bacteria and yeasts survive the bird’s crop and stomach to effectively populate the gut. Organic citric acid is incorporated to lower the pH of drinking water, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which are susceptible to acidic environments. This probiotic is safe for use with breeders, show birds, and racing pigeons. It is a water-soluble powder form, offering versatile administration options through drinking water or feed. The product includes a convenient 3 g measuring spoon and is manufactured in Australia by Mineral Energy Pty Ltd.
Administration Guide for 2 Pak Avian Probiotic
2 Pak Probiotic with Acid is formulated for regular use in pigeons, poultry, and other caged birds, with administration possible through drinking water or feed.
- For drinking water: Dissolve 1 g of 2 Pak powder per 1 liter of water. Prepare fresh daily.
- For feed: Add 1 g of 2 Pak powder to 1 kg of grain that has been pre-moistened with seed oil at a rate of 1-2 ml per kilogram. Mix thoroughly.
As part of a routine health management program, using 2 Pak Probiotic twice a week is recommended for optimal results. This frequency can be increased to five times a week for birds experiencing illness or stress, such as during breeding, molting, or racing, or following treatment with antibiotics or dewormers.
Probiotics can be effective in treating mild cases of avian illnesses like salmonella, E. coli, yeast infections, and coccidiosis. However, they should not replace antibiotics for severe infections or if no improvement is observed within 1-2 days. In such cases, avian antibiotics like Oxymav B should be used, followed by a 4-5 day course of 2 Pak Probiotics to prevent reinfection and support recovery.
Always read instructions carefully before use. This product is intended for avian use only and not for human consumption. Store 2 Pak Probiotics below 30°C and refrigerate after opening.
Shipping and Pickup Information
Dine A Chook provides a variety of shipping options to meet your needs.
Australian Shipping Rates
- Under 500g: $13.95 flat rate.
- 500g–20kg: $15.95 flat rate.
- Over 20kg: Handled via StarTrack freight services. Shipping costs are quoted separately based on weight, size, and destination.
- Express Shipping: Calculated at checkout (starting from $14.95).
- Click & Collect (Garbutt): Free for eligible postcodes.
- International Orders: Calculated at checkout based on weight.
Orders Exceeding 20kg
For orders over 20kg, StarTrack freight services are utilized. Shipping costs are contingent upon the parcel’s weight, dimensions, and destination. When you select the “Contact for Quote” option during checkout, it will display as $0.00, but this does not indicate free shipping. You will be contacted post-order with a custom shipping quote, and your order will not be processed until you confirm and pay the quoted shipping cost. For inquiries regarding large orders or shipping costs, please contact us before placing your order.
Pickup-Only Items
Certain items, such as 20kg bags of feed, are exclusively available for pickup from our Townsville HQ located at 16 Camuglia Street, Garbutt, Townsville QLD. Please select the “Click & Collect” option at checkout for these items, as they cannot be shipped under any circumstances.
Order Fulfillment
Unless otherwise specified, all Dine A Chook orders are dispatched via Australia Post. Standard shipping includes tracking, and all orders require a signature upon delivery, unless an “authority to leave” is provided. We deliver to residential and business addresses, PO Boxes, and Parcel Lockers.
Estimated Delivery Times (Business Days)
| State | Estimated Delivery (Business Days) |
|---|---|
| Queensland | 2–3 |
| New South Wales | 3–5 |
| Victoria | 5–7 |
| South Australia, Tasmania & ACT | 6–8 |
| Western Australia & Northern Territory | 8–12 |
Orders received before 11 am are typically shipped the same day, excluding busy periods.
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions regarding our shipping policies or require assistance with an order, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to ensuring your shopping experience is as seamless as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I administer the 2 Pak Avian Probiotic?
A. This probiotic can be administered through your bird’s drinking water or mixed into their feed.
Q. Where is this product manufactured?
A. 2 Pak Avian Probiotic is proudly made in Australia.
