What does apple cider vinigar do?

[aznewbe]

i see ppl put it in there water but why?
thanks for all the help this site rocks

 

[SandraChick]

apple cider vinegar has been used for over a thousand years as an immune booster and "crud" remover. I use it on myself as well as chickens. It's also a good source of many vitamins--including potassium (which is good for me cuz I'm allergic to bananas, so I needed another good source to get some!)

Getting UNpasturized (with the mother) vinegar is best....pasturization cooks off most everything good about the cider. It can be found in healthfood stores and is slowly beginning to show up at some regular grocery stores. It should NOT be used in METAL waterers, and a typical dose is 1-2 tsp/gallon. The amount used runs the gambit---some use it all the time, some do 1week on and 1week off, others only use it if they have a sick bird (and every variation in between). It works wonders on chickens with colds (yes they get them), as it helps break up the phlem.

I also use garlic....it has natural antibiotic properties, keeps the water from getting slimy (especially in summer), immune booster also, and makes your coop smell like pizza

. I just chop a fresh clove into little bits and put it in the reservoir...if a piece comes out the chickens eat it.

well...that's my 2cents
Sandra

 

[V Chic Chick]

I also used it when my hen had a calcium deficiency, even though she was eating all the right foods. It helped to dissolve the calcium and make it easier for her to absorb.

I put it in at the rate of two capfuls per 1.5l

 

[SandraChick]

If my memory serves correctly; Potassium (found in ACV) is an important nutrient which helps the body absorb and assimilate calcium.

someone correct me if I'm wrong
Sandra

 

[Barnyard Dawg]

I use Bragg Natural Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) at a health food store it is very inexpensive, for 32 oz $4.60.
http://www.bragg.com/products/applecidervinegar.html

 

[fowlfriends]

Hmm, I was told by an old-timer that ACV increases egg production, and if what I am reading is true about calcium absorbtion, then that would make some sense. Interesting. Maybe I will finally break down and use some myself! (I'm currently one of those people who only uses it when a bird is already sick)

 

[Barnyard Dawg]

Quote:
Here is a good link to read.
http://www.cagenbird.com/vinegar.htm
I add a tablespoon to my water bottle everyday for myself.

 

[4H kids and mom]

I use it once a week for ALL of our pets. Not only is it good for chickens, but its great for dogs, cats, and domestic birds too! Everyone here gets ACV once a week (Wednesdays). Right now with the chickies, they get their Super Vitamins on Monday, plain water on Tuesday, ACV water on Wednesday, plain water on Thrusday, Super Vitamin water on Friday, and plain water all weekend. ACV for chickens can boost egg production, 'clean out' their systems, and kill parasites. You can also use it to clean and disinfect their coop, perches, etc. and its completely non-toxic.

PS...ACV for dogs: cleans them out, freshens breath, adds shine to coat, and helps keep fleas/parasites/mites away. For cats it also helps with hairballs. For parrots and domestic birds, it helps clean them out and adds to their diet. Not to mention, its also very good for you!

 

[cookinmom]

two questions --
does putting garlic in the water affect the flavor of the eggs?

and for dogs, how much acv?

 

[Barnyard Dawg]

I add it to my bottle water daily it ads a nice flavor to plain water.