Apple Cider Vinegar?

[DrCB]

I'm new to raising chickens - but I am trying to learn!

One book I read said to put apple cider vinegar in the water - another book I read said not to do so.

What is the definitive answer on adding vinegar to chickens' water?

Thanks,
DrCB

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You can, you don't have to. It has some benefits - just don't overdo it.
What we're talking about is raw apple cider vinegar with the mother - therefor containing beneficial enzymes.
Most use brags organic. Basically is doesn't have to be organic but must be raw, otherwise it is just a cleaning/acidifying fluid.
It tends to keep the water from getting slimy longer.
It is an acidifier so it aids in utilization of calcium or problems with excess calcium.

 

[DrCB]

Thanks for the reply - but what do you mean by "raw"?

I went in the grocery store and got a bottle of apple cider vinegar - is that raw?

I assume brags organic is a brand - correct?

(Wow - this is more complicated than I thought!)

DrCB

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Braggs is a brand. They produce organic ACV.
Organic means the apple trees had no chemical herbicides, insecticides or fertilizers applied.
Raw means that it isn't heat treated by pasteurization. Raw means that all the natural enzymes are retained.

Not that complicated.

If you got a bottle of apple cider vinegar and it says pasteurized or doesn't say raw or organic, then it is a good cleaning agent - not necessarily containing any health benefits.

 

[DrCB]

Thanks again,

DrCB