Raw organic ACV in flocks water..yout thoughts

[chickenreyna]

Do you do it if so how often? Do you think it helps them?

 

[Sunshine Flock]

I do this daily and then take the weekend off.

Lots and lots of people add ACV to their flock's water. The concern is overdosing. It's acidic and we don't want to inundate them with something that, in excess, can be harmful.

What I tend to hear is one tablespoon per gallon. What I don't hear is information backing up the dosage amount. Some put two tablespoons in the water. Until I come across a clear explanation that justifies a higher dose, I'm giving it to them conservatively.

But I definitely support ACV for chickens. The reasoning behind it makes sense.

 

[Teila]

I add ACV (with mother) to my bantam’s drinking water; including chicks when I have them.

I have used ACV every day for 5 years and some of my gals are 5 years old.

I have two water containers for 5 bantams; just in case one should get knocked over which in our climate could be a disaster. I change their water every morning and add one tablespoon to 3 litres of water.

The reasons I use ACV:
* It apparently maintains a good pH balance in their digestive system and makes it a little uncomfortable for worms to live in. So while not an actual wormer, it can be a deterrent.

* It can act as an antiseptic, killing bacteria in their throat and is reported to keep bacteria out of their water. I know it is recommended to people with sinus issues also.

* Some think it increases egg production but I can't comment on that because my gals lay an egg every day or two; when they are not broody which is most of the time

Yeah or Nay on ACV will continue to be something debated for years to come I think; some are pro and some are con. I am one who is happy to share what 'I' do and totally respect what others chose to do

 

[PirateGirl]

From what I understand it effects the Ph in the digestive system so helps balance good gut flora. I have also heard it supposedly helps prevent algae/bacteria growth in the waterer.

With this in mind I add it to the water on occasion in times of stress. Extreme weather (hot or cold). If I notice unusual poop in the coop I figure a dash of it in the water won't hurt. After medicating I add it daily for about a week. I don't know if it really helps or not, but I figure it can't hurt, like when my stomach bothers me and I have some ginger ale and yogurt. Not a disease cure, but you feel like you are doing something to try and feel a bit better.

 

[ChickNanny13]

And since you're considering ACV (with Mother) for their water (1T/gal), you may want to read about fermenting their feed. There's a thread on FF, long one but worth reading.

I ferment my feed, was using ACV/Bragg in their water everyday but figure over kill. So now I do it for a week once a month. I really helps with pasty butt in chicks, they get ACV in their water plus FF. Never use metal when fermenting or using ACV. One thing I have learned for some reason during the warmer months (Summer) ACV in the water develops black spots (mold) in the container. There's threads on AVC in the water ...

 

[R2elk]

I add it to the water on occasion in times of stress. Extreme weather (hot or cold).

If you do a search, you will find evidence that indicates that adding ACV to the water during high temperatures can be harmful.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

What flomaxes me is how people who would not let their hens look at a man made chemical would dose their chickens day in and day out with a man made acid that changed their hens' internal biology and messed with their birds gut flora and yet call it "HEALTH FOOD"

 

[PirateGirl]

If you do a search, you will find evidence that indicates that adding ACV to the water during high temperatures can be harmful.

Thanks! What constitutes high temps however? Here it never really gets above 70*F. High for us, but generally not the highs people have when worrying about their flock. I will do a bit of reading on this, I'm not married to the idea of ACV or not. The person who sold me my birds recommended it and I was a first time chicken keeper and went with it.

 

[PirateGirl]

What flomaxes me is how people who would not let their hens look at a man made chemical would dose their chickens day in and day out with a man made acid that changed their hens' internal biology and messed with their birds gut flora and yet call it "HEALTH FOOD"

For me it was not so much this argument, but the fact that ACV was readily available at a number of food stores locally when other medications were over an hour drive away at stores with limited hours. I would not say it is necessarily an adequate substitute for any medication if your birds are really ill any more than my hot tea being a substitute for antibiotics if I have a sinus infection.

 

[Pater est Pullis]

Lol, OP, you beat me to the punch, I was going to post the same question.
I know there's two camps on this issue, those that use ACV, and those that don't. I dose my girls with 1 Tblsp per one gallon water, three times a week. However, I'm confused, there are so many recommended dosages, schedules, and reasons. Why isn't there a set standard? I'm sure there are environmental factors, water quality, etc., but where's the ballpark numbers, not the all over the board as it stands?