Apple Cider Vinegar for chickens

Apple Cider Vinegar for Chickens: Why It Belongs in Your Coop

Looking for a natural way to boost your chickens’ health? Apple cider vinegar for chickens has become a go-to remedy for many backyard poultry keepers—and with good reason.

This simple, affordable supplement can:

• Improve digestion
• Encourage hydration
• Help prevent worms and mites

In short, it’s an easy way to support a happy, healthy flock. Plus, the benefits of apple cider vinegar for chickens go beyond physical health—it may also improve behaviour and reduce stress in your birds.

That said, you’ll want to use it the right way. Too much, or using the wrong kind, can do more harm than good.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

In this article, you’ll discover:

• The biggest benefits of ACV for chickens
• How much to give (and how often)
• Which type of ACV is best
• Common mistakes to avoid

So, whether you’re new to keeping chickens or you’ve been doing it for years, learning how to use apple cider vinegar the right way can make a noticeable difference to your flock’s health.

Let’s dive into why this natural remedy deserves a permanent spot in your coop care routine.

🐔 Bonus tip: Want to explore more natural flock care? Check out our guides on garlic for chickens and herbal mite deterrents.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Chickens?

Absolutely! When used correctly, apple cider vinegar for chickens makes a fantastic natural supplement for your flock.

It’s rich in trace minerals, acetic acid, and beneficial bacteria—especially when it contains “the mother.” These elements work together to support digestion, boost immunity, and improve your flock’s overall health. And that’s just the beginning.

Key Benefits of ACV for Chickens:

• Natural dewormer: ACV creates a more acidic gut environment, which may help deter internal parasites.
• Mite deterrent: Many chicken keepers use diluted ACV in their coop-cleaning routine to help keep external pests away.
• Immune system booster: Thanks to its antibacterial properties, ACV supports your chickens’ natural defences.
• Stress reducer: A balanced gut promotes nutrient absorption, which can reduce stress across the flock.
• Digestive aid: ACV helps maintain a healthy pH level in the digestive system.
• Supports calcium absorption: This can improve eggshell strength, especially in laying hens.
• Encourages hydration: Chickens often prefer the taste of water with ACV—especially during hot weather.

While ACV isn’t a miracle cure, it’s a reliable addition to your chicken care routine—especially when paired with clean water, quality feed, and good coop management.

✅ Tip: For the biggest benefit, always choose raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains “the mother.”

How Much Apple Cider Vinegar to Give Chickens

If you’re wondering how much apple cider vinegar to give chickens, the key is using just the right amount—consistently and safely. Getting the dosage right is essential when adding apple cider vinegar (ACV) to your chickens’ water. Too little, and you won’t see much benefit. Too much, and it could upset their digestion or interfere with calcium absorption.

Recommended Dosage:

• 20 ml of ACV per 1 litre of water
• Offer this mix up to 4 times per month

Following this schedule helps support gut health without over-acidifying their system.

Important Tips:

• 🛑 Avoid metal drinkers. ACV is acidic and can corrode metal, leading to rust and water contamination. Use plastic or ceramic containers instead.
• ✅ Choose raw, unfiltered ACV that contains “the mother” for maximum benefit.
• 🐔 Monitor their water intake. If your chickens start drinking less, reduce the frequency or alternate with plain water.

Used correctly, ACV is a simple, budget-friendly addition that supports your flock’s overall health.

💡 Pro Tip: Always mix ACV into fresh water just before serving to keep it effective and prevent bacteria build-up in the drinker.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Deworm Chickens?

This is one of the most common questions about ACV—and the answer isn’t so straightforward. So, does apple cider vinegar deworm chickens? Not exactly, but it can help make the gut less inviting for parasites.

The Short Answer:

Apple cider vinegar may help deter worms, but it’s not a reliable dewormer. By creating a more acidic environment in the gut, ACV can make it harder for internal parasites to thrive.

Because of this, many chicken keepers include ACV in their routine to help reduce the risk of infestations. However, if your chickens already have worms, ACV alone won’t be enough to clear them out.

Use ACV for Prevention, Not Treatment:

• Add ACV to drinking water occasionally to support gut health.
• Keep the coop clean and dry to limit exposure to parasite eggs.
• If possible, rotate free-ranging areas to reduce reinfection risk.

When You Should Use a Proper Dewormer:

• You spot worms in droppings or around the vent.
• Your chickens seem lethargic, lose weight, or lay fewer eggs.
• A faecal test confirms a worm presence.

In those cases, use a vet-recommended dewormer first. Once the infestation is under control, ACV can help support your chickens’ recovery and long-term gut health.

⚠️ Note: Don’t rely solely on ACV to control worms. It’s a helpful preventative—not a cure.

What Kind of Apple Cider Vinegar Should I Use for Chickens?

Not all apple cider vinegar is created equal—especially when you’re choosing one for chickens. To get the most benefit, it’s important to select the right kind.

What Is “The Mother” in Apple Cider Vinegar?

In raw ACV, you’ll see a cloudy, stringy substance—that’s the mother. It’s a natural byproduct of fermentation and packed with gut-friendly bacteria and enzymes.

What to Avoid:

• Clear, filtered vinegar
• Pasteurized versions
• Products with artificial flavours or preservatives

🛒 Tip: Bragg Organic Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar is a trusted, flock-friendly option.

By choosing the right type of ACV, you’re ensuring your chickens receive all the benefits—without any unwanted additives.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Garlic for Chickens: A Powerful Combo

Looking to double down on natural ways to keep your flock healthy? Apple cider vinegar (ACV) and garlic make a brilliant team for chickens.

Both ingredients are rich in antimicrobial properties, immune-boosting compounds, and gut-friendly benefits. When used together, they create a simple, natural tonic for chickens that helps them stay strong and resilient.

Benefits of ACV and Garlic:

• Fights harmful bacteria without wiping out beneficial microbes
• Supports respiratory health during seasonal changes
• Boosts overall immunity
• Helps deter mites and parasites
• Reduces stress and inflammation

How to Use Them:

• Add 20 ml of ACV per 1 litre of water
• Crush 1–2 cloves of garlic and drop them into the waterer or mix into feed
• Offer this mix once a week, or alternate it with plain water

A Few Helpful Tips:

• Remove leftover garlic after 24 hours to prevent spoilage
• If your chickens aren’t keen on the taste, alternate between ACV and garlic instead of combining them
• Some keepers notice a faint garlic flavour in eggs—if that’s a concern, rotate the ingredients weekly

🧄 Tip: You can crush garlic into their water or chop it into their feed—it’s flexible, just make sure it’s fresh.

This budget-friendly blend offers an easy and natural way to support your flock’s health and wellbeing.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Sick Chickens

When your chickens aren’t feeling their best, apple cider vinegar (ACV) can offer gentle, natural support. While it’s not a replacement for proper veterinary care, it can still play a useful role in their recovery. Used correctly, apple cider vinegar for sick chickens can be a safe and effective addition to your natural care routine.

How ACV Can Help Sick Chickens:

• Boosts the immune system: The acetic acid and trace minerals in ACV help strengthen your chickens’ natural defences.
• Eases mild respiratory issues: Some keepers report improved breathing when ACV is added to drinking water during early signs of illness.
• Aids digestion and gut recovery: It’s especially useful after a bout of diarrhoea or digestive upset.
• Encourages hydration: Sick chickens often drink less, but ACV can improve the taste of water and help keep them hydrated.

How to Use It:

• Mix 20 ml of raw, unfiltered ACV per 1 litre of water
• Offer the mixture for 1–3 days during a mild illness
• Always provide an additional drinker with clean, plain water

When to Avoid ACV:

• If your chicken is very weak or refusing food and water
• If symptoms worsen—contact a vet immediately
• If your bird is on medication (always check with a poultry vet first)

🐓 Reminder: ACV works best when paired with rest, a clean coop, and proper nutrition.

Used thoughtfully, ACV can give your sick chickens the gentle boost they need to bounce back strong.

Risks of Apple Cider Vinegar for Chickens: When to Avoid It

While apple cider vinegar (ACV) offers plenty of benefits, it isn’t without its downsides. If used too often—or incorrectly—it can do more harm than good, especially when it comes to your chickens’ feathers and nutrient balance. It’s important to understand the potential risks of apple cider vinegar for chickens so you can use it wisely.

When to Be Cautious:

• Overuse: Giving ACV too frequently can disrupt gut flora and reduce calcium absorption.
• Undiluted application: Never apply ACV directly to feathers or skin—it can cause irritation and bleaching.
• Metal drinkers: ACV reacts with metal and can cause rust, contaminating your chickens’ water. Stick with plastic or ceramic containers.

Signs You Should Take a Break from ACV:

• Your chickens start drinking less water
• Their feathers appear dull, patchy, or discoloured
• You notice increased stress, such as feather pecking or reduced egg production

Risks of Feather Damage:

Using undiluted ACV on feathers can:

• Cause bleaching, dryness, and breakage
• Lead to skin irritation or discomfort
• Make birds targets for feather pecking
• Reduce natural insulation, increasing cold vulnerability

When to Avoid ACV Entirely:

• If your chickens are on antibiotics (unless advised by a vet)
• When raising very young chicks (under 4 weeks old)
• If your flock has a history of feather-pecking or bullying

⚠️ Tip: Always dilute ACV properly, stick to dosage guidelines, and monitor your flock for any unusual behaviour.

Used thoughtfully, ACV can be a great supplement—but knowing when to skip it is just as important as knowing when to use it.

Nutritional Value of Apple Cider Vinegar for Chickens

If you’re curious about the nutritional value of apple cider vinegar for chickens, here’s a breakdown of what it offers in small but meaningful amounts.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) may not be high in calories or protein, but it does contain valuable trace minerals and natural acids that can support your chickens’ overall health.

Here’s what you’ll typically find in 100 ml of raw, unfiltered ACV:

Nutrient	Amount (approx.)
Energy	90 kJ / 21 kcal
Water	94 g
Acetic acid	5–6%
Carbohydrates	0.9 g
Calcium	7 mg
Potassium	73 mg
Magnesium	5 mg
Phosphorus	8 mg
Sodium	5 mg
Iron	0.2 mg
Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Protein	0 g

What These Nutrients Do for Chickens:

• Potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus support bone strength and muscle function
• Acetic acid aids digestion and helps control harmful gut bacteria
• Calcium absorption improves when ACV is combined with calcium-rich feed

While these nutrient levels may seem minimal, ACV is used in very small amounts. Its strength lies in how it enhances digestion and nutrient absorption—not in direct nutritional contribution.

🧪 Note: For best results, use raw, unfiltered ACV that contains “the mother”—it’s packed with enzymes and beneficial bacteria.

Quick FAQ: Apple Cider Vinegar for Chickens

How much apple cider vinegar should I give my chickens?
Mix 20 ml of raw, unfiltered ACV into 1 litre of water. Offer this mix up to four times a month for best results.

Can I give my chickens apple cider vinegar every day?
Not ideally. Daily use may interfere with calcium absorption. It’s better to stick with weekly doses or use it just a few times each month.

Does apple cider vinegar deworm chickens?
It may help prevent worms by making the gut less welcoming to parasites, but it doesn’t treat existing infestations. Use it as a preventive—not a cure.

What kind of apple cider vinegar should I use?
Choose raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized ACV with “the mother.” Avoid flavoured or sweetened varieties.

Can I mix garlic and ACV together?
Absolutely! Many chicken keepers use garlic and ACV together in drinking water to support immune health. If your birds dislike the taste, try alternating instead.

Is it safe to use ACV with chicks?
Skip ACV for chicks under four weeks old—their digestive systems are still developing.

Can I use any brand of ACV?
Yes, as long as it’s raw, unfiltered, and additive-free. Bragg is a popular, flock-safe choice.

Is it okay if the water turns cloudy?
Definitely. That’s often from garlic or the “mother” in raw ACV. It’s completely normal.

🐣 Tip: When in doubt, always provide plain water alongside the ACV mix so your chickens have a choice.

Apple cider vinegar for chickens works best when used alongside clean water and proper coop hygiene.

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar is one of those simple, natural remedies that can make a real difference when used properly. It supports digestion, boosts hydration, helps deter parasites, and strengthens your chickens’ immune system—all without breaking the bank. When used consistently and correctly, apple cider vinegar for chickens can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to support natural flock health.

To get the most out of it:

• Stick to the right dosage — 20 ml per 1 litre of water
• Use it in moderation — up to four times a month
• Choose the right kind — raw, unfiltered, and additive-free

While ACV isn’t a substitute for proper vet care or good flock management, it’s a smart, affordable addition to your regular chicken-keeping routine.

🐔 Want to take things a step further? Try combining ACV with other natural aids like garlic, or check out our guides on chicken nutrition, mite prevention, and herbal flock care.

Your flock will feel the difference—and you’ll see the results.