Is apple cider vinegar a natural way to improve chicken health?
In short, yes!We know that our supporters want to provide their chickens with the very best quality of care. We also know that many of these supporters want something natural to feed their chickens to promote good health. If it keeps a vet visit at bay, even better. Step forward – apple cider vinegar! When it comes to natural remedies for chicken health, apple cider vinegar is one of the best boosters you can give your chickens.
The saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is not only relevant to people you know!
But how much do you really know about the wonderful ACV and what it does for your girls? Below we offer you the low amount of apple cider vinegar for chickens.
What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar (or ACV for short) is a type of vinegar made from crushed, fermented apples, yeast and sugar. It is made from the whole apple and provides enzymes and important minerals and vitamins in the form of bioflavonoids. During the fermentation process, a thick gelatinous layer known as the 'Mother' forms on the surface of the vinegar. It consists of dozens of beneficial bacteria, also known as probiotics.
ACV is widely recognized as a great all-round chicken tonic with several health benefits. Studies have shown that chickens fed apple cider vinegar grow feathers faster than chickens that are not. This makes it the ideal addition to your new former cage chickens.
So what else does it do?
As if that doesn't help enough, apple cider vinegar helpsdigestionhelps chickens break down minerals and fats by promoting protein assimilation, converting food more efficiently and preventing sour harvests. [CLUTCH:https://www.bhwt.org.uk/health-welfare/hen-crop-issues/]
Second, apple cider vinegar helps lower the pH levels in the digestive tract, making it less hospitable to pathogens. It also creates a hostile environment for E.coli organisms and Coccidiosis.
Third, it is also toxic to Trichom*oniasis – the nasty protozoan that causes cancer but should not be considered a cure for this condition.
Apple cider vinegar is also a natural source of potassium, so it can help regulate levels in your chickens' bodies. Potassium regulates the body's use of calcium, making more calcium freely available to aid in eggshell production. That's why a potassium boost is great if you notice your chickens laying soft-shelled eggs.
For more information about soft-boiled eggs, click here. [CLUTCH:https://www.bhwt.org.uk/health-welfare/soft-shell-eggs/]
Finally, apple cider vinegar helps keep your chickens' airways clean and clear, cleans their plumage and generally improves chicken well-being. Plus – one final bonus – but that doesn't really have to do with the health of your chickens; Apple cider vinegar slows the growth of algae in your waterer, keeping your chickens' drinking water fresher for longer, although we don't recommend using it in a metal waterer. It's a real miracle cure if you ask us!
How do you use apple cider vinegar?
Simple! Just add it to your chickens' drinking water. Dilute to a ratio of 2% apple cider vinegar in fresh water (that's about 20 ml of ACV in each liter of water). One serving per week is sufficient and remember to use plastic drinking cups as the acid in apple cider vinegar will corrode the metal.
