Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for chickens has had some very good press over the last ten years. There has been lots of research done where ACV has been added to one group of chicken’s water and the compared against the other ‘control’ group.

Cider Vinegar for chickens is acidic and it is this acidity that means ACV is a mild anticeptic and will kill a number of germs. In addition to this, it is claimed to act like a mild antibiotic. Antibiotics kill infectious bacteria that can cause disease in chickens.

In addition to these benefits, Apple Cider Vinegar is full of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that are beneficial to your chickens but you do have to be careful where you buy ACV from – don’t go rushing off to Tesco just yet!

5 litre Apple Cider Vinegar

Click Image to Buy on Amazon

Apple Cider Vinegar has been proven to help chickens with stress which is one of the main contributors to their immune system lowering and letting in disease. I use ACV during the following times:

  • Moving house
  • Introducing new birds
  • If snow falls on the ground (a stressful change in environment for chickens)
  • After a fright – eg fox attack
  • After injury
  • Once per month for a week for the health benefits

You can buy ACV from Amazon

Dillution Rate of Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV should be dilluted at a rate of 2% in fresh drinking water. This is the same as saying 20ml in every litre. Make sure you are using plastic water containers because it is acidic and will corrode galvanised containers. The normal rate at which to give to chickens in order to be beneficial is for one week per month. If you choose the first week of every month, it will be easier to remember. Chicks and growers can be given 0.5% ACV in water or 5ml per litre.

Do you have any information on Apple Cider Vinegar? Please leave me a comment below.

115 Comments

  1. I would not routinely give chickens antibiotics. It weakens their immune system, not allowing them to develop their own resistance to germs. Look what has happened with humans and super bugs. I will only feed my chicks on feed that does not contain antibiotics or genetically modified ingredients. I would not be without ACV It also seems to help feathering. Garlic is a good antibacterial natural product. Good hygiene is also important. It is important that they have plenty of space. Overcrowding causes stress and stress weakens the immune system. Ignore what coop manufacturers say and if possible let your chickens have plenty of space to roam. They will be happier, healthier and will help to keep your garden free of pests.

  2. i have 3 hens 1 cock white leghorns,i started giving them acv a few weeks ago not knowing how much so i gave about a cap full in 2 pints of water in a stainless steel bowl.but it seeks to have made them loose more feathers.they havent layed for a few weeks so what have i done wrong ?

    • You must use a plastic container (ACV is acidic and reacts with metal).

      At this time of year, chickens start to moult – so my guess is they have started. The ACV will help them through.

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