Apple Cider Vinegar

[Criticalicious]

The touted benefits of ACV are from the probiotics (the one with "mother"), which you can get the same or similar benefit from fermented feed.

 

[Folly's place]

And the probiotics in many feeds. Vinegar stays in my kitchen, the birds neither need nor want it. Plain water is what they need, without additives.
There's no actual research showing benefits, only hearsay on the Internet.
Mary

 

[Akrnaf2]

The whole idea of using ACV (Active Cider Vinegar) is the probiotic aspect,
so definitely the one with the 'mother'.
Tho the cons outweigh the pros in my, and many others, opinions.

What probiotic aspects? The ACV is fermented by Acetobacter microbes that converts Ethanol to acetic acid in aerobic conditions, this groop of microbes is NOT part of the natural microbiome of animals in contrast to the Lactic acid bacteria, that ferments yogurt, kimchi, etc ect, like the fermented feed that are certainly part of the microbiome.

 

[The Angry Hen]

I normally use the ACV with 'mother' for my birds in their water, but not every time. I do use it for myself and it's helped me.

In the past, if one of my birds was acting slower or wasn't producing very many eggs in the summer- I'll add a little ACV to the water. About 2 tsps is enough to a gallon. It isn't extremely of difference in health, but I find it may give them a zoom in the right direction.

My father has often questioned why not to use white vinegar. Does it not ferment, like ACV? I'm not exactly certain of the differences... but the thought crosses our minds.

I don't believe ACV to have dangers. It can be of help for my birds and dogs- and I notice it is very helpful to me. (Then again, I'm more psychological than my chickens).
So... as a final statement of the often-discussed-topic... it's mostly of preference. I think it's safe, but I don't like the money aspect and the fermenting. Then again, fresh water for your flock is important. If you're worried, don't use it.

 

[aart]

What are the cons?

Can interfere with calcium uptake, not drinking enough water because of adverse 'taste'.

What probiotic aspects?

So 'they' say...I'm not convinced.

I think it's a big 'fad gone wild' for both humans and chickens.

 

[Folly's place]

Fantasy fads abound...
Mary

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Nature provides pure, clean water. So that's what I give my chookies. They do well on it.

 

[Akrnaf2]

Can interfere with calcium uptake, not drinking enough water because of adverse 'taste'.

So 'they' say...I'm not convinced.

I think it's a big 'fad gone wild' for both humans and chickens.

I am really trying to understand your words, but it isn't English for me...
Can you please say it again so that even I can understand

 

[Quackattack717]

Nature provides pure, clean water. So that's what I give my chookies. They do well on it.

Our ducks free range and we have a creek in our yard so they get plenty of fresh clean water. We even fill up their waters & pools with the creek water. The only reason I want to keep using the ACV is because it keeps our waterers from getting that stinky smell.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Our ducks free range and we have a creek in our yard so they get plenty of fresh clean water. We even fill up their waters & pools with the creek water. The only reason I want to keep using the ACV is because it keeps our waterers from getting that stinky smell.

Ah, that makes sense. We water in an open bucket and tub so no smell. Just dump occasionally and scrub so they don't grow algae.