Chick Boost introduces beneficial bacteria to the crop which assists the chick in developing a positive bacteria culture in its digestive tract. Commercially hatched chicks are raised in a clean environment and are not exposed to natural flora found in the hen's digestive tract. Because of HCl gastric secretion which starts on day 18 of incubation, a newborn chick is at high risk for disease. More than any other animal chicks should be provided beneficial bacteria right after birth. Beneficial Bacteria in the digestive tract help to crowd out the bad bacteria. This is known as selective exclusion and will help the animal fight off bad bacteria. (E. Coli, etc). A healthy gut leads to a healthy immune system to help combat disease and stress. Chick Boost mixes easily into water and is recommended that as soon chicks are born that the water is made available to them.