We first heard of the benefits of Apple cider vinegar for chickens (ACV) from a good friend many years ago. At the time we didn’t really understand how it worked so well, but as soon as we started giving it to our chickens we noticed that it really improved their overall condition. Since then, We’ve given it to all of the hens each month and spent some time researching why it works so well.
The supermarket variety of ACV is not worth bothering with for chickens! On the other hand, the raw, cloudy and unfiltered ACV is full of vitamins and minerals that can help to boost a chickens immune system.
Here Are Some Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar For Chickens
Chickens have one of the most efficient digestive systems in the animal kingdom. One part of this is called the crop and this is the first place the food goes after the chicken has eaten it. The food is broken down here and gradually passes to the main stomach. ACV helps to reduce the pH level in the crop which helps to combat any ingested microbe and bad bacteria.
Apple Cider Vinegar can help reduce internal worms in chickens. It helps to make the chickens gut not a nice place for worms to live. It makes the chickens gut a less hospital place for worms to live. It won’t completely eradicate them, so regular worming is still very important.
Apple Cider Vinegar can act like a mild antibiotic. Antibiotics kill infectious bacteria that can cause disease in chickens. We have used it ourselves if a chicken appeared to look a little low and we have recommend it to others.
Dilution Rate For Apple Cider Vinegar For Chickens
We dilute ACV at a rate of 5ml or a tea spoon per litre of water and give it to the chickens for 3 to 5 days each month. We found that giving it more often that this can reduce the usefulness of the chickens. This is just our experience and what has worked well for us over the years.
Never use ACV in a metal drinker as the acid reacts with the metal. It should only be used in a plastic drinker.