One of the most important things for me is ensuring the health and well-being of my flock. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various methods to keep my chickens healthy, and one thing that I always come back to is adding apple cider vinegar to their water.
In this article, I’ll discuss how often I put apple cider vinegar in my chickens’ water, as well as the benefits of doing so.
What is ACV?
ACV stands for apple cider vinegar. It is a type of vinegar made from apple cider, and it is often used as a natural remedy for a variety of health issues in both humans and animals.
ACV is produced by crushing apples and fermenting the juice, which turns the natural sugars into alcohol. Then, bacteria are added to the alcohol to turn it into acetic acid, which gives vinegar its sour taste and pungent smell. ACV is believed to have several health benefits, including antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as the ability to help regulate the pH balance in the digestive tract.
Why Apple Cider Vinegar?
First, let’s talk about why apple cider vinegar is beneficial for chickens. ACV is known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help prevent illnesses in chickens. It’s also believed to help regulate the pH balance in a chicken’s digestive tract, which can promote good gut health. Additionally, many chicken owners report that adding ACV to their chickens’ water results in healthier-looking feathers and stronger eggshells.
How Often to Use ACV
Now, the question is, how often should you add ACV to your chickens’ water? The answer to that can vary depending on a few factors, such as the climate in which you live and the specific needs of your flock.
I add apple cider vinegar to my chickens’ water 10 months out of the year. I find that doing so helps prevent respiratory illnesses, which can be common in hot, humid environments. In the winter, when the weather cools down, I switch to using VetRX and ACV to prevent respiratory illness.
Other chicken owners have different approaches. Some add a splash of ACV here and there when they think about it, while others add it once or twice a week. Some add it every time they change the water, while others find that it’s not necessary to use it at all.
One chicken owner I spoke with uses ACV and a scoop of probiotics year-round in her chickens’ water, with the occasional addition of “Poultry Cell” liquid by Rooster Booster. Another adds two tablespoons of ACV per gallon of water every other filling.
In general, adding ACV to your chickens’ water is a great way to promote good gut health and prevent illnesses. It’s safe to use, and many chicken owners report positive results. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to how often you should use it. You’ll need to experiment a bit to find the right balance for your flock.
Other Tips for Keeping Chickens Healthy
While adding ACV to your chickens’ water can be a helpful tool in promoting good health, it’s not the only thing you can do to keep your flock healthy. Here are a few other tips:
- Keep their living area clean: Regularly clean out your chickens’ coop and run, and provide fresh bedding. This can help prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.
- Provide a balanced diet: Make sure your chickens are getting a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals. This can help support their immune systems and keep them healthy.
- Monitor for signs of illness: Keep an eye on your chickens for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or respiratory issues. Catching illnesses early can help prevent them from spreading to the rest of the flock.
- Quarantine new chickens: If you’re introducing new chickens to your flock, quarantine them for a few weeks before integrating them. This can help prevent the spread of any illnesses they may be carrying.
Final Thoughts
I am always looking for ways to keep my flock healthy and happy. Adding apple cider vinegar to their water is one tool that I’ve found to be helpful in promoting good gut health and preventing illnesses. However, how often you use it will depend on a variety of factors,
