Apple Cider Vinegar (or ACV for short) has long been hailed as a miracle cure for everything in the poultry world which I don't believe it is, however, it does have numerous health benefits and supports the immune system. Since I have started using ACV I have noticed a big difference in the health of my flock and now recommend it to all poultry keepers.
ACV is certainly full of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It helps to lower the pH level in the stomach, helping digestion and making it a less friendly for harmful pathogens. ACV detoxifies the blood and helps remove mucous from within the body, this is particularly useful since chickens are particularly prone to respiratory problems and ACV can be of benefit in helping birds to clear their airways.
Due to the acid content of ACV, it is an antiseptic. As well as killing germs, it is also a mild antibiotic as well, (that is, it contains bacteria that destroy infectious organisms).
Some claim that ACV increases egg production. Whilst I have not been able to find any studies that prove this, it would still make sense that if you are keeping a hen in good health, she will perform better.
Raw, unfiltered / unpasteurised ACV, can be found in health shops and many poultry / equine shops / outlets will sell bottles of it. Remember, the ACV you see on the shelf in your local supermarket is normally the filtered sort.
How to give ACV to chickens - Dillution Rate.2% ACV should be added to their drinking water, in other words 20ml per litre. Remember ACV is acidic and you should only put it into plastic water containers to prevent corrosion. I normally do this for a week every month - the first week of the month so that I remember which one!
For chicks and growers, you can give them a very weak solution to help them grow and feather up quickly. I normally make a 0.5% / 5ml per litre mixture for these.
Sax
