ACV, garlic and other 'supplements'?

[DreamsInPink]

I just finished reading an article on sour crop and it talks about giving ACV in the water to keep the body alkaline versus acidic and adding a smashed garlic clove to the water can be beneficial as well to fight bacteria and strengthen the immune system.

Is there any real scientific basis for these statements??

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Garlic most defintly doesnt hurt chickens.

Chopped up is how it is performed.It releases the good vitamins and stuff that way The chicken chick has a whole article on it.

 

[DreamsInPink]

Yeah, I know it's not going to hurt them. I just didn't know if there were any obvious benefits?

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Lots.Keeps the poop and coop fron stinkibg (gives it extreme better smell) keeps parasites off fron them and from in them and helps fight bad resporitory disease coming in.

 

[DreamsInPink]

But how/why does it do these things? I am not trying to argue with you, trust me. I just want to know if it's worth my time, cost and effort.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

When ut is chopped up it realses a very powerful strong med that puts into effect and basically makes the immune system better.Why I am not sure.

 

[DreamsInPink]

Maybe I need to look up that article you were talking about by the chicken chick. She has some practices that I don't really agree with though, so I try to be careful how much of her info I take to heart. I suppose I might be able to find some other info on the internet.

You say it releases a medicine... that is what I'd like to have scientifically substantiated.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

yes i searched several times before using the garlic.They have been eating it for about a month or so now and have been more active and love it.

 

[Folly's place]

There are lots of testimonials on the internet, but not a lot of scientific backup for them. 'No harm done" about covers it. Mary

 

[mimsy]

If you look up anti microbial properties of garlic you can find a lot of studies done on it, though not on chickens that I am aware of.

It makes sense that as an addition to a healthy diet it would be good. I would not rely on garlic alone to treat a case of parasites however. I'd also be careful about how much garlic (or any plant in the onion family) is given, again i haven't seen studies done on chickens, or birds in general, but large amounts can cause a loss of red cells in some animals, such as dogs. If cooked it causes less issues, however, I'd hazard a guess the properties loss during cooking maybe the same ones which kill parasites.

I don't add it to my chickens diet as a regular thing, however if I make something that has garlic in it for the family and I'm giving out left overs I will share with them and not worry. The only thing I worry about from my regular cooking and don't share is things with avocado's or chocolate in it.