When to give chicks ACV?

[smudger28]

Hi guys

I have some chicks that are 3 weeks old. When can I start giving them apple cider vinegar and how much?

Cheers

 

[Marigold]

Why would you want to do that?
Chickens do not like the taste of ACV and therefore you are at risk of their drinking less than they would if you just gave clean fresh water. If you are feeding a good quality chick crumb they don't need any extras. Its value as a tonic for older birds is unproven and many people have stopped using it.

 

[carolb0101]

Thanks Marigold

I keep reading that you should give them ACV for one week every month.

Good to know it's not necessary.

 

[smudger28]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the replies.

I give the hens ACV as I thought it was good for worms?

Cheers

 

[Marigold]

Totally useless for worms. In any case, chicks wouldn't need worming before they are about 18-20 weeks, at POL and about to join the adult flock. At that point, and every 4-6 months after that, give them a 7-day course of Flubenvet. There are various herbal supplements available that claim to tone up the gut so it's more resistant to worm infestation, but none of them actually do the job and kill the worms which all chickens have in their gut to some extent.

 

[Chuck]

Neither cider nor garlic will kill worms and there is no proof that they are a preventative. Commercial rearers rear chicks to POL in thousands and don't use either !