Natural remedies that have worked for you?

[meetthebubus]

I'm researching natural remedies and things that can help chickens, especially now in the summer or whenever

You hear often of ACV but what else do you use (and how do you use it?)

Garlic? Oregano? Herbs? Spices? Oils? vitamin supplements.?

It would be great to get this all in one thread!

 

[imnukensc]

No help here. All I use is water, chicken feed, and free ranging.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Watching

 

[TwoCrows]

These are the natural products I use on my standard sized breed chicken flock...

Hawthorn orally is great for those older birds to help keep blood pressure lower and keep the heart strong. (I have an 8 yr old hen with a heart condition. I mix 300mg Hawthorn powder in 2ml of Gerber Baby Food, load it in a syringe, (no needle) and down the throat it goes, under the tongue daily.)

Ginger, Cayenne, Cinnamon and Lemon Juice combined orally is a fabulous internal fungal/yeast killer. All of these ingredients increase circulation and exhibit anti fungal and anti bacterial properties. (1/16th teaspoon of each herb, 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice, it is used for internal yeasts and doughy crops. It is mixed together and given orally, under the tongue, .3 mg at a time until the dose has been administered, 3 times a day until bird is healed.)

Probiotics are a must to keep the immune system in tip top shape. Several times a week via food or water.

Aspirin for pain or arthritis. (Same as above, old hen has arthritis. She gets 1 baby aspirin every other day in a blueberry or a raspberry.)

ACV is wonderful to help increase appetite along with treating Gout, internal yeast prevention as well as all its other benefits. (1 tablespoon ACV per gallon of water, used a few times a month to help keep the gut sour, also used on any bird with a doughy crop).

Children's vitamin Poly Vi Sol (without the iron) is used on any bird that is sick, molting or just needs a boost. (1/4 - 1/2 ml orally under the tongue as needed.)

 

[igorsMistress]

When my first chicks were still in the brooder they had a respiratory issue. I gave them dill, oregano, thyme and basil free choice every day. I gave them a dish of chopped garlic free choice every three days and 30 to 40 drops of grapefruit seed extract in a gallon of fresh water for 14 days. The herbs are either anti bad stuff and/or provided relief for their symptoms. GSE is a broad spectrum antifungal/bacterial/biotic. I still have all but the one chick that brought the illness. I offer these herbs to my flock regularly throughout the year along with many other greens. Cilantro, parsley, jalapeno, tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries...they all have health benefits. Your chickens get the same benefits you do...antioxidants or vitamin c, etc.

Once a month I inspect each bird for parasites and give their legs a light coat of castor oil to keep them in good condition.

In the heat I add save a chick to one waterer before the temp spikes, sorta like prepping your own body for hot weather with sports drinks, and continue every other day for up to a week. They get tons of melon and cucumbers in summer because these contain lots of water to help with hydration.

In fall I offer whole pumpkins as a natural wormer.

I normally ferment feed or scratch on a regular basis. I stop for a week or two every once in a while just to give them a break from it. I have never given my chickens yogurt. I add ACV to water once in a while when they're off the fermented feed. Both options have general health benefits and support a healthy a gut.

I use rosemary, basil, lavender and mint in the nest boxes to help deter pests.

 

[meetthebubus]

Thanks @TwoCrows and @igorsMistress great info! This is great to refer back to when I first started with chickens 2 yrs ago I always referred back to BYC list of acceptable treats a 100 times and this will help too im sure

@TwoCrows for some reason I have never thought/heard of baby food to help administer meds to chickens I'm gonna remember that !

I read somewhere about black pepper being beneficial but my instinct feels otherwise
Anyone have experience with this?

 

[TwoCrows]

Thanks @TwoCrows and @igorsMistress great info! This is great to refer back to when I first started with chickens 2 yrs ago I always referred back to BYC list of acceptable treats a 100 times and this will help too im sure

@TwoCrows for some reason I have never thought/heard of baby food to help administer meds to chickens I'm gonna remember that !

I read somewhere about black pepper being beneficial but my instinct feels otherwise
Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks! I like to use baby food because its a balanced food and its taste can hopefully cover over some of those bitter tasting meds. I use the Banana flavor the most, with a touch of sugar it helps to stabilze blood sugars. Baby food is great for antibiotics or any crushed or liquid medication!

 

[Saaniya]

I'm researching natural remedies and things that can help chickens, especially now in the summer or whenever

You hear often of ACV but what else do you use (and how do you use it?)

Garlic? Oregano? Herbs? Spices? Oils? vitamin supplements.?

It would be great to get this all in one thread!

I would say two of the natural remedies worked
• moringa extract
• Fennel seed oil

Both I use when my rooster teetee had develop oral thrush I use them both for 30 days and it heal Marvelously

 

[Maiahr]

Black pepper - I give to baby chicks on day 1 after they hatch. Rumors say it kills internal parasites.
I had a thread somewhere on Garlic.
@igorsMistress ... Can I come and join your flock?