How long should I be putting Apple Cider Vinegar in their water?

[grouse]

I've been putting a teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's organic/raw/unfiltered kind) in my chicks' 1 quart plastic waterers since day 4 or so (chicks are now 2 weeks old) to help with pasty butt and because I heard it was good for numerous other health reasons as well. Just wondering, how long should I keep putting it in their water and will it hurt anything if I continue to put it in for too long?

 

[Denninmi]

I don't think it can hurt anything if its very dilute (1 tablespoon in a quart or less). Depending on where you live, you water may be alkaline and buffer some of the acidity, anyway. I think you could do it indefinitely if you wanted to, but for this purpose, probably do it for a month maybe?

I can't think of what it would hurt, really -- I don't think chickens get acid reflux disease.

 

[AKsmama]

There's nothing wrong with using it long-term. It's good for their digestion and they like the taste.

 

[NC29mom]

i heard it also prevents parasites from getting in the water! Didn't know you could give it to chickies though!

 

[nanawendy]

I learned through BYC that using ACV can only benefit your flock. I've used it for 18 months now. (w/ the"mother")