Some Facebook chicken groups 😑

[Smileybans]

This is kind of a rant but at the same time I wanted to share the weirdness of this group I found on Facebook. They’re part of the reason why I joined here.
Part of the rules for this group was you couldn’t even mention Apple Cider Vinegar or Diatomatious Earth. Like at all. The moderators of the group would read every post before approving, or not, them. They claimed in their rules that there was scientific research to back up that ACV and DE did more harm than good. And to do your research. When I tried to ask where the science was they told me they couldn’t give it to me. Well I did my research. And it doesn’t exist at least the scary stuff they’re talking about. There’s minimal research on the use of DE and ACV in chickens. But most of what is there is positive when used correctly. Heck my vet even recommended both!
This Facebook group spread so much misinformation I had to leave. And they censored so much too. I’m glad I found the BYC community where the rules are simple.
Sorry if I’m breaking any rules posting this but this was just weird. I’d like to hear other people’s thoughts on ACV and DE though. Because I’ve seen it mentioned here along with many other things I never would have thought to try. And upon joining that group I really thought I was going to kill my chickens because I put ACV in their water. Talk about scare tactics.

 

[DobieLover]

This is kind of a rant but at the same time I wanted to share the weirdness of this group I found on Facebook. They’re part of the reason why I joined here.
Part of the rules for this group was you couldn’t even mention Apple Cider Vinegar or Diatomatious Earth. Like at all. The moderators of the group would read every post before approving, or not, them. They claimed in their rules that there was scientific research to back up that ACV and DE did more harm than good. And to do your research. When I tried to ask where the science was they told me they couldn’t give it to me. Well I did my research. And it doesn’t exist at least the scary stuff they’re talking about. There’s minimal research on the use of DE and ACV in chickens. But most of what is there is positive when used correctly. Heck my vet even recommended both!
This Facebook group spread so much misinformation I had to leave. And they censored so much too. I’m glad I found the BYC community where the rules are simple.
Sorry if I’m breaking any rules posting this but this was just weird. I’d like to hear other people’s thoughts on ACV and DE though. Because I’ve seen it mentioned here along with many other things I never would have thought to try. And upon joining that group I really thought I was going to kill my chickens because I put ACV in their water. Talk about scare tactics.

I think you'll find that many people here also feel that ACV and DE are generally useless at best and can be harmful when used for the wrong reasons.
ACV is no cure all. It an be helpful when treating sour crop or vent gleet but to administer constantly is not good. It is not the magic elixir it's often touted to be. Plain fresh water is always best.
A small amount of DE when used to prevent grain weevils in feed bags is fine. Tossing in the daily food, bedding and dust baths for the chickens to breath in is not fine. It won't prevent worms or lice and it most assuredly won't treat worms or lice either.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Some people on BYC don’t use ACV or DE and some people do, there are no rules about what you can talk about, what you can ask, what you want to state.
Welcome to BYC!! Glad you joined us!

 

[deidreg]

This is kind of a rant but at the same time I wanted to share the weirdness of this group I found on Facebook. They’re part of the reason why I joined here.
Part of the rules for this group was you couldn’t even mention Apple Cider Vinegar or Diatomatious Earth. Like at all. The moderators of the group would read every post before approving, or not, them. They claimed in their rules that there was scientific research to back up that ACV and DE did more harm than good. And to do your research. When I tried to ask where the science was they told me they couldn’t give it to me. Well I did my research. And it doesn’t exist at least the scary stuff they’re talking about. There’s minimal research on the use of DE and ACV in chickens. But most of what is there is positive when used correctly. Heck my vet even recommended both!
This Facebook group spread so much misinformation I had to leave. And they censored so much too. I’m glad I found the BYC community where the rules are simple.
Sorry if I’m breaking any rules posting this but this was just weird. I’d like to hear other people’s thoughts on ACV and DE though. Because I’ve seen it mentioned here along with many other things I never would have thought to try. And upon joining that group I really thought I was going to kill my chickens because I put ACV in their water. Talk about scare tactics.

There's an endless supply of social media to fit everyone's mindset. We're not perfect at BYC, but questions are welcome and debate is usually civilized. And sometimes we're just goofy. Because there are so many members, you'll find some you grow to trust over time and value their experience and guidance. Welcome!

 

[Sally PB]

Welcome, @Smileybans.

There are strong opinions on both ACV and DE, but mostly people just give their opinions and let the poster decide. I did buy some DE before I read all the cons vs the pros, but it does have another use: deterring slugs in the garden, so I have a lifetime supply for that.

One reason I have used ACV (or kombucha tea, which works on the same principle, ie acidity) is that in the summer, it slows down the algae growth in the waterer. I have had waterers that had 1 TBS of kombucha added to roughly a gallon of water that never got slimy, and some without that I had to deslime every day.

This is the nicest forum I've ever been on. Enjoy.

 

[Smileybans]

I agree with almost everything that has been said. I believe in preventative medicine. Do I use ACV in my water? Now I do. But mostly in my big waterers for the algae control. Like @Sally PB said. I noticed that right away with my chicks and had read about it. I was cleaning some waterers way less. So I figured using it for the big waterers was a good idea. The chicks go through water so fast I usually don’t use it with them.
I had DE lying around because it kills spider mites and mealie bugs on plants. When I read that it could help chickens too I was like “hooray I already have that.” Then that FB group was like “you’re killing your chickens by using both.” Being a new chicken keeper I stopped using both.
After being on here and doing my research I use both in moderation. I use a small amount in their dust bath but it’s only an eighth of the recipe. Maybe. I’m not good a math.
I know the actual risks to using DE and don’t shame others if they do or don’t. I use it small amounts and don’t go crazy. When I’m killing bugs on my plants however, those suckers get a ton of DE. Freaking spider mites. I’m just so glad I got out of that group. They were toxic. I was so afraid posting this that I would get mean comments... but you guys are so nice. Have been so nice to everything I post.

 

[intownlimits]

@Smileybans EXACTLY! IM right there with you. I aint gonna judge what someone uses... I got booted from a group BC the recipe for Sweet Bleach ive used countless times was "wrong" according to an Admin of the group... i challenged her info and she didnt like that.. Not saying mine was right, but i gave my sources and she couldnt name one of hers.

 

[Sally PB]

Hugs for you, @Smileybans!

Not only are we nice, we have great emojis too.

Seriously, there is a LOT of collective knowledge here, a lot of fun, and shoulders to cry on when sad things happen.

 

[Smileybans]

@Smileybans EXACTLY! IM right there with you. I aint gonna judge what someone uses... I got booted from a group BC the recipe for Sweet Bleach ive used countless times was "wrong" according to an Admin of the group... i challenged her info and she didnt like that.. Not saying mine was right, but i gave my sources and she couldnt name one of hers.

I feel like some of these FB admins are so entitled. I’ve been apart of some good plant groups on FB but some people take it to the next level. I felt like when I asked for the “scientific studies” they touted and they couldn’t give it that was it for me. Don’t claim something if you can’t back it up. But that’s the internet I guess.

Hugs for you, @Smileybans!

Not only are we nice, we have great emojis too.

Seriously, there is a LOT of collective knowledge here, a lot of fun, and shoulders to cry on when sad things happen.

I so agree about the emojis. It took me like a week to figure out how to use them though. I wondered where everyone got the cool moving ones from.
Recently the knowledge on here has helped me save a chick that got shrink wrapped. Not only being a part of the community but also googling what to do. The first links that show up are the BYC ones. Which is great for new chicken people.

 

[Jaime918]

This is kind of a rant but at the same time I wanted to share the weirdness of this group I found on Facebook. They’re part of the reason why I joined here.
Part of the rules for this group was you couldn’t even mention Apple Cider Vinegar or Diatomatious Earth. Like at all. The moderators of the group would read every post before approving, or not, them. They claimed in their rules that there was scientific research to back up that ACV and DE did more harm than good. And to do your research. When I tried to ask where the science was they told me they couldn’t give it to me. Well I did my research. And it doesn’t exist at least the scary stuff they’re talking about. There’s minimal research on the use of DE and ACV in chickens. But most of what is there is positive when used correctly. Heck my vet even recommended both!
This Facebook group spread so much misinformation I had to leave. And they censored so much too. I’m glad I found the BYC community where the rules are simple.
Sorry if I’m breaking any rules posting this but this was just weird. I’d like to hear other people’s thoughts on ACV and DE though. Because I’ve seen it mentioned here along with many other things I never would have thought to try. And upon joining that group I really thought I was going to kill my chickens because I put ACV in their water. Talk about scare tactics.

Some of the groups get extreme! I was warned by a local lady that joining in groups for specific breeds, they will absolutely tear you apart for no reason, especially if you post photos and it's not up to their SOP. It's amazing how know it all some can be! I've learned to just kind of ignore the rude and find what info or whatever I need. My 2 local chicken groups rock though.