Raw organic ACV in flocks water..yout thoughts

[Folly's place]

The truth is, there's no good reason to add vinegar to drinking water on any regular basis. What is the pH of your water? It varies from place to place. A little extra acid in the water may slightly change it's pH, but why? From what value to what?
There's plenty of 'stuff' in most chicken waterers without adding this, and the birds do fine. Many of us NEVER add vinegar, and can report healthy flocks for decades...
Concentrate on doing things that actually matter instead, like providing a good balanced diet.
Mary

 

[PirateGirl]

I would also throw out there that many are strong followers and supporters of Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens, which does advocate for ACV.

 

[Folly's place]

So true! I'm looking for the science, and actual evidence, not just testimonials. Story's guide is an excellent book, but not always 'gospel'.
Mary

 

[imnukensc]

I don't use it and see no need to start. My chickens get the same water I do from the same well.

 

[lazy gardener]

Even some of the hatcheries are getting on board the ACV wagon. When I had shipped chicks this spring, there were a couple who were not doing well. I immediately called Cackle, and was told to put ACV in their water. It's not JUST a pH thing. ACV with the mother has beneficial microbes that will help balance the gut flora.

When I started a flock 5 years ago, I did give them ACV. That was before discovering the benefits of fermented feed. I would not give both, as FF already has altered pH. However, if I was using ACV, and not giving FF, I would offer the ACV several times/week, or provide both plain water and ACV water free choice at the same time.

Raw ACV and honey water is recommended as a health drink. Switchel was an old timer drink made with ACV. For that matter, both coffee and tea are acidic! Many foods have a tangy acid base. So for a poster to say that using a bit of ACV is dosing the flock with "man made chemical" is a bit extreme. I would draw the line at giving NOTHING but ACV treated water.