What this article covers
- Boosting your chickens immune system
- Is ACV safe for chickens?
- What is ACV made of? (Apple Cider Vinegar)
- What is Aectic Acid?
- Where can I buy Apple Cider Vinegar?
- What is ‘Mother’ bacteria in ACV? (Apple Cider Vinegar)
- Is Apple Cider Vinegar good for Chickens?
- How much ACV should I give my chickens?
Boosting your chickens immune system
Chickens, like humans have an immune system which is responsible for defending against infections and diseases. A good way to keep your chickens healthy is by simply adding some apple cider vinegar and crushed garlic to their water supply. This is a cheap and effective way to prevent your chickens becoming sick.
This combination of ACV and garlic is effective against the following in chickens:
- Natural dewormer
- Helps clear respritory infections
- Aids digestion
- Boosts the immune system
Is ACV safe for chickens?
Yes, ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) is safe for chickens when given in small doses. Only keep ACV combinations in plastic or rubber containers, this is because the acid in ACV will cause metal containers to rust over time.
What is ACV made of? (Apple Cider Vinegar)
Apple Cider Vinegar is made from apples! Apples are cut into pieces, covered in water and allowed to steep at room temperature until they begin to ferment. During this process the natural sugars ferment and form ethanol, a bacteria then converts this into Aectic acid.
What is Aectic Acid?
Aectic Acid is the scientific name for the acid present in a vinegar such as apple cider vinegar. It has a wide range of uses but including foods and cooking.
Where can I buy Apple Cider Vinegar?
You can buy Apple Cider Vinegar from any good food retailer, supermarkets will usually stock ACV. For health and consumption you want to find a product that contains the ‘Mother’ bacteria which is beneficial to the chickens health. Without the ‘Mother’ bacteria present, the ACV is pretty much just there for flavour.
What is ‘Mother’ bacteria in ACV? (Apple Cider Vinegar)
The mother bacteria refers to the strands of protein that contain enzymes and beneficial bacterias that can be found in organic apple cider vinegar. These strands of protiens and enzymes contain cellulose and acetic acid, they are also responsibe for the cloudy consistencey in organic ACV.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar good for Chickens?
Yes, ACV is good for chickens when given as part of a balanced diet. Apple Cider vinegar can help chickens clear respitory infections, this is due to its mild antiseptic and antibiotic properties. ACV has also been know to help prevent worms in chickens and improve general gut health.
*IMPORTANT – when adding ACV to your chickens water, make sure you use a plastic or rubber vessel. This is because the vinegar will react with the metal causing it to rust and taint your chickens water supply. This could lead to illness or death.
How much ACV should I give my chickens?
The ideal amount of ACV for your chickens is 20mls per 1 litre of water, or if your in the US one or two teaspoons per gallon of water. This is just enough to provide the health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for your chickens.
