Before we even start answering the question, “Does apple cider vinegar help prevent coccidiosis in chickens,” let's first outline what coccidiosis is. Coccidiosis is an infection that can spread through a herd and cause death within days if left untreated. Microscopic parasites called Coccidia cause coccidiosis in chickens.
Coccidia infect the digestive tract of all chickens. Chickens in a flock develop a natural resistance to a reasonable number of Coccidia in the digestive tract. However, if a chicken has a compromised immune system or is sick, she may not be able to fight off a high rate of coccidia infection.
All chickens naturally have some coccidia in their intestines. The coccidial parasites cause no symptoms or ill health in small numbers. Signs of coccidiosis that require treatment include:
Signs of coccidiosis in chickens include:
- Bloody or watery diarrhea
- lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Pale ridges and ridges
- hanging posture and wings
- Ruffled or inflated feathers
- Drooping, dull or glassy eyes
- Poor growth in chicks
- Death
The most vulnerable chicks are generally:
- Newly hatched chicks and younger birds that have not yet developed sufficient immunity to the parasite
- Sick or unwell, meaning they have a weakened immune system
- Suffering from malnutrition
- Plagued by other diseases that affect their immune system
- Suffers from high parasitic loads or stress
To learn more about the treatments available and other prevention methods and suggestions, read our comprehensive article,Coccidiosis in chickens - signs, symptoms and treatment.
An apple a day...
We've all heard the term. But how can apple cider vinegar actually protect against something as aggressive as coccidiosis in chickens? At this time, there is not much comprehensive scientific evidence to support ACV as a treatment for coccidiosis; there is in fact some merit behind the claims. Coccidia live in the digestive tract of chickens. Inside, they find a perfect environment to thrive and lay eggs. Any change to that environment could simply make it uninhabitable.
Does apple cider vinegar help prevent coccidiosis in chickens?
The most readily available research is a study published in the Polish Journal of Veterinary Science. Despite their conclusion at the end of the study, which acknowledged that the study was not large enough to be a complete fact, their results were without a doubt a five-star review for apple cider vinegar and coccidiosis. We refer to the opening excerpt as below:
The aim of this study was to investigate the anticoccidial effect of apple cider vinegar added to drinking water with the anticoccidial effect of amprolium when feeding broilers.
The study followed an observational approachto consideranticoccidial effect of apple cider vinegar on broiler chickens. The changes in antioxidants were measured by adding natural apple cider vinegar to drinking water. Four hundred and fifty broiler chickens were purchased from the local market and divided into three groups (T+vc: positive control, T-vc: negative control TV: apple cider vinegar) with 150 chickens in each group. The three groups were further replicated in 3 blocks containing 50 chicks each. The groups were feda balanced onediet, amprolium was added to the food of the positive control group and apple cider vinegar was added to the water
TV group. Measurements of the different variables were started from week 3, at the end of each week 3 birds were randomly selected, blood samples were collected via the wing vein and fecal oocysts were counted from the intestinal contents of each bird usingMcMaster technique.
Broilers in the control groups T+ve and T-ve showed clinical symptoms of coccidiosis (blood in itfeces) and the number of coccidial eggs in the feces increased with time.
No clinical signs of coccidiosis were observed in the vinegar group. The concentrations of total antioxidants and activity of catalase enzymes increased significantly (p≤0.05); while malondialdehyde concentration decreased significantly (p≤0.05).
End fragment
The research found especially notable,
- ACV has an anticoccidial effect in poultry
- Causes a decrease in the number of coccidial eggs in the feces
- helps reduce resistance to drug treatment
In recent years there has been an emergence of resistant coccidia strains. This becomes a significant problem. New methods currently being tested to help stop the development of drug resistance in coccidia include changing the type of drug and the "shuttle program," a planned change of the first drug in the middle of the bird's growth period. There are also some larger commercial operations that are starting to use ACV in the drinking water for their chickens as a second line of defense.
Organic backyard gardeners around the world swear by apple cider vinegar as an immune booster that helps prevent coccidiosis. We have found a video of this American lady who is convinced that relaxing her ACV immediately created the perfect environment for coccidiosis in her chickens.
Organic Chicken Keeper discusses experiences with ACV here.
One thing is for sure: there are thousands of people around the world who use ACV for the health of their chickens. It is still very important to remember that although ACV may have anticoccidial properties, if an outbreak occurs, it should be treated immediately with medications such as Amprolium or Baycox. However, feedback from many customers who use ACV and reports from people all over the Internet show that ACV, when administered in the correct dosage, provides tremendously positive feedback.
Does ACV have any other benefits for chickens?
- Increases the absorption of calcium
- Has mild antibiotic properties
- Full of vitamins and minerals
- Lowers the pH level in the crop (first part of the chicken's digestive system) and helps fight any ingested bad microbes or bacteria.
- Can reduce internal worms (chickens still need to be dewormed)
We recommend ACV to backyard chicken keepers for the overall health of their flock. The best way to administer apple cider vinegar is with a medicinal drink Dine A Chook. We currently have a special package that includes a two-liter medicine drinker with double grease nipples from the German brand and Kilverm Worm Liquid. For your convenience, we have placed the link at the bottom of this page.
How to Dilute ACV for Chickens
The great thing about apple cider vinegar is that it is so affordable and has so many potential benefits.
Dilution in proportion is simple. Simply mix 2.5 - 3 ml of ACV with 1 liter of fresh water. Serve to chickens every two to three days.
Useful Links:
Your A Chook articles
Coccidiosis in chickens - signs, symptoms and treatments.
Top 6 Ways to Prevent Diseases in the Chicken Coop
How chicken drinkers with fat cups help prevent contamination
Your A Chook products
Eat a Chook apple cider vinegar with garlic
Your A Chook Medicine Potions with Kilverm Wormer Medicine
