[Cobra]

Hi,

My neighbour has had chickens for a number of years and swears by putting cider vinegar in the water, he says it helps health and acts as a wormmer: I wouldn't doubt his word, I'm just curios to your thoughts? Anyone else do this and what other things do you feed or water other than pellet etc,

[ellisr]

I have used cider vinegar for my chooks (don't use a metal container with it) and yes it helps. I also use a mxture of garlic powder and poultry spice on there food to help with there health and keep beasties at bay.

[Cobra]

Ah cheers Rachel, he also mention garlic powder 

Haven't forgotten you, put up a new run for the chickens and as a consequence spent 4 days bent over like an old fart now upgraded to Quazy moddo and one foot dragging  Happy days 

Trouble is I can sit and do nothing and feel sorry for my self or achieve something how ever small and feel good but cripple me self up at the same time; gotta keep moving 

[ellisr]

don't slow down, hope your back gets better soon I know how it feels I came off the horse a few weeks ago but unfortunatly I had no choice but to keep going.

[knightquest]

I have used cider vinegar for my chooks (don't use a metal container with it) and yes it helps. I also use a mxture of garlic powder and poultry spice on there food to help with there health and keep beasties at bay.

What's the reason for not using a metal container?

Ian

[supplies for smallholders]

The acid in the vinegar can react with some metals, same reason you dont use aluminium pans etc for wine making - unless you have the luxury of stainless steel drinkers :-)

There are an untold amount of poultry "pick me ups" on the market, Vinegar being just one of them, others are poultry spice (Verm-X have just launched their version of it), Tonic with seaweed, Rooster booster, fulvic acid mixes - the list is endless......

My personal vies is: if you feed a good quality food and allow free ranging then all you would need from time to time would be a tonic, such as Poultry Spice. Although some of our customers swear by regular use od cider vinegar in the water.

Thanks

[langdon]

please can you clarify for me, i have asked this question before and have not been given a straight
forward answer.
can i go into my local co-op and pick up any cider vinegar or is there a cider vinegar esp for chickens?
thanks langdon

[knightquest]

please can you clarify for me, i have asked this question before and have not been given a straight
forward answer.
can i go into my local co-op and pick up any cider vinegar or is there a cider vinegar esp for chickens?
thanks langdon

The chap at castlefarmeggs.co.uk gives a brilliant description of feeding and he says that you should use the apple cider vinegar that is used for horses and such like.
Hope that helps,

Ian

[supplies for smallholders]

Any cider vinegar will do - although supermarkets might be more expensive - I know you dont like that 

Ours is at : https://www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk/battles-poultry-cider-vinegar-p-542.html and is £3.98 per litre

[Cobra]

Very helpful people, many thanks,  My ladies are free range, without going overboard I would like to ensure they have whats needed to give them the best health.

[langdon]

when you say horses i pursume i have to go to my farmers co-op?
langdon

[sheardale]

I shall try the cider vinegar too, and see how we get on

[knightquest]

when you say horses i pursume i have to go to my farmers co-op?
langdon

I went to a local stables/farm shop. I will be getting it myself soon if I can sweet talk the suppliers... 

Ian

[Daveravey]

The stuff you're looking for is "unrefined apple cider vinegar" not the refined stuff you get in the supermarkets.

Add 5ml per 1lt of drinking water 1 week out of 3.

[knightquest]

The stuff you're looking for is "unrefined apple cider vinegar" not the refined stuff you get in the supermarkets.

Add 5ml per 1lt of drinking water 1 week out of 3.

oooh I was going to do it all the time. I've got aluminium containers too so I presume that's a no no too?

Ian