ACV and Ivermectin

[purpletree23]

Is it true that ACV in the water improves the chickens immunity? If not then why is it used? What is Ivermectin drop on for worms. Everyone at the feed stores think I'm berzerk! Thanks everyone. I know I will get many answers, excellent advice and want to thank you in advance.

 

[Judy]

ACV and other probiotics improve immunity and help chickens absorb the nutrients from their food by building good gut flora, particularly in brooder raised chicks.

Epinrex drop on is a brand name of ivermectin, used for worms. It is not approved (meaning has not been tested) for chickens, only cattle, but many on here use it on chickens.

Chickens also need grit. My feed store does not know what grit is, and they have been in business for years, and there are a lot of chicken keepers around here. Many on here have commented that feed store employees are not the best source of information.

 

[purpletree23]

Thanks ddawn. My chickens have grit and ground oyster shell free choice, good pellets, and get yogurt (plain) once a week and free range about 1 hour in the late afternoon. I have to sit out there with them. Neighbor dog problem Long story.

How often do put ACV in the water and how much per gallon. How often and how do I use the Ivermectin? Thank you!

 

[Judy]

Sorry, I wasn't trying to preach to you about grit, only to point out problems with info from feed store employees. Not well worded on my part.

Sorry to hear it about the dog problem! Ugh, what a pain.

I've read different things about ACV. Some use it all the time -- handy because it also controls algae growth. But somewhere I've read it's better to use it only part time, maybe 2 or 3 times a week, and I don't even remember the reasoning on that. Amounts I've seen vary from 1 tsp to 1 Tbsp per gallon.

So I punt -- I add it about every other time and I just slosh a little in.... but that's me.

BTW, you shouldn't put it in a galvanized waterer, in case you hadn't run across that. Leaches the zinc out of the metal, or something like that. I put it in my plastic waterers.

Now, Ivermectin. I'm going to link a thread about worming for you rather than try to recopy an answer.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=2525157#p2525157

 

[purpletree23]

ddawn I guess I worded my response to you too strongly. I didn't think you were preaching about grit at all. Sorry. Thank for the information. Now I understand about the ACV and how to worm the girls properly. Thanks a bunch. I see your posts a lot and respect your opinion/advice very much.

We go to small claims court for the dog in DECEMBER! I can't blame him but I would like to SSS the owner. When I want the girls to free range I sit with them with my camera and mace. Hubby won't let me SSS it.