I have heard of many many different Natural and Organic remedies, preventions, and cures for so all the pests and diseases you could name. So this thread is to collect all of those Natural remedies and compile them all together so we can all learn from them. Here are a few I know. Lice and Mites: You can us cool ash to treat for lice and mites. Worms: You can feed your hens Pumpkin seeds to prevent worms. Worms and all round health: A bulb of garlic in the hens drinking water help prevent worms as well. Please add all of your "Ala Naturel" remedies to help our lovely feathered friends.
Apple Cider Vinegar ( Unpasturized with 'the Mother' ) - I put a small amount of this in my chick's waterers from day old on up and I believe it works as an antimicrobial, digestive aid as well as a general 'tonic' and preventative for the birds ( it's also good for people too! ) The first flock I had several years ago didn't get the ACV from day one and when I began adding it to their waterer when they were about 16 weeks of age they didn't like it at all but did finally get used to it. The good thing about beginning the ACV at day old is that the chicks believe that is just what water tastes like and go with it just fine. I also feed my poultry feed that contains both pre and probiotics for the same reasons - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure I believe. This is a great idea for a thread, thanks for starting it - hope you get lots of good replys! Elaine
Hi there, I have read that Nasturtium rids chickens of any internal parasites. You can plant it near their run, and they will eat it's juicy leaves and bright flowers. Not sure where you're living so don't know if it's available where you are. Also vinegar in their water is supposed to stop them pecking each other. This is sure to be a good thread and I will keep writing!
Thanks babydoo and viewarms, I hope I get more reply's it would be great to get more info. I also use ACV and my hens love it and they where not given it since day olds, only started 4 months ago. I have never heard of Nasturtium before but will look about for it.
When I give my 5 chickens garlic (usually weekly) I mince one clove and add it to quinoa or brown rice. I also give them cayenne weekly, I had 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne to a cup of plain yogurt. I also use plain vinegar to clean the walls and floors of their coop. Also in the mornings after they get up I wipe their roost down with plain vinegar. I add ACV to their water--1 tbl to a gallon of water. Question When you add a bulb of garlic to their water is it chopped or whole?
Babydoo - I plant lots and lots of Nasturniums ( the old fashioned kind not the kind you get at Walmart ) in and around my organic garden areas and fruit vines as it is such an excellent deterrent to bugs that love to eat my plants - didn't know that it kills parasites in poultry when injested! I always feed my poultry boatloads of the blooming nasturnium (sp ? ) plants as they love them so and the bright orange in the blooms carrys over into the yolks of their eggs making them a brighter orange as well. Great to know I'm getting the DOUBLE BENEFIT and the chickens love them as well - win / win!
Sounds like your hens will never get ill at all, good job. I don't personally use the garlic idea but my neighbour cuts a bulb of garlic in half then puts it in a big tub of water, if you have only a small tub it might to a bit powerful.
I raise chicks using soured (probiotic) milk. It seems to make their guts stronger so they grow faster and aren't as susceptible to coccidiosis or worms No one thing is a cure-all but a range of approaches can easily take the place of commercial chemical treatments. Thanks for the thread, Erica
I'm not really sure what's the difference between the old fashioned kind and the Walmart ones, but the Nasturtium you've got is the right one!
