The use of ACV~apple cider vinegar, is an oft repeated subject on this forum and the discussion is usually the same each time...no one knows how it works but some really vouch for its good effects on their flocks. I'll be the first to state that I wouldn't raise chickens without it's use anymore. I'm thoroughly convinced of its merits. Here is a link about making vinegar and it has many interesting facts but the most significant for the subject on this post is on page 34 where it lists the many beneficial bacteria located in natural(not heat processed) vinegar~too many to list here! http://silvalab.fsnhp.msstate.edu//vinegar_lactic.pdf ***If you look closely you will find on that list at least one bacteria, in particular, that might interest those who are fearful of cocci in new chicks and want to take steps to prevent it.**** Pediococcus acidilactici
Well...I'm just finding this post after getting to your link on the OT thread. Thanks for posting this. Very good info. Sue AKA Leah's Mom
Thanks so much! I just asked the question about natural / organic means to prevent cocci in young chicks and I was given a link to your post. Very helpful thank you! I use Bragg'd organic apple cider vinegar in their waterer each time I fill it. I'm also going to use garlic cloves and comfrey tea. Thanks again!
I'm so glad people are starting out with preventions that are long term and multipurpose instead of just reaching for the medicated feeds. The vinegar has so many good effects on the animal's health that it seems silly to not utilize it as a broad-spectrum approach to flock health, doesn't it? It's cheap..you can make more from your original purchase and it is good for humans and animals alike.
Thanks!!! I wouldn't have posted it if I hadn't thought it could help someone and the more that utilize it, the more who can have a successful experience with their chickens.
Thank you for this post. We have found more benefits to ACV each month, and really like having the science to support what we see in our flocks. We started our chicks on ACV with mother last year, but were often lax on adding it to the water. Not anymore. We saw the difference in our birds when we were not using ACV regularly.
You are my absolute favorite person today!!!! I have been wanting to make vinegar for quite a while and have not been able to find directions that were good enough to make me feel confident in trying. This is fabulous!!! Thanks so much for posting!