GSHP
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Poultry supplementsI was just wondering what other chicken keepers thoughts/opinions are on supplements and additives for their hens.
Garlic, poultry spice, cider vinegar, pro biotics etc.
I tend to use pro biotics in their drinking water at times of stress i.e after worming, antibiotics. Also when introducing new birds and in the drinking water of newly hatched chicks.
Am I wasting my money or is it benefical ?
Which if any supplements would people recommend ?
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Chez
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I reckon that cider apple vinegar in the water is good - it certainly stops the drinker going quite so yucky so quickly and they seem to like it. I also stick poultry spice in their food once a week or so - or more if any of them are off colour.
Ixy has just recommended collodial silver to me.
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Lorrainelovesplants
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Iv never used apple cider vinegar (yet), and only give poultry spice when they are either moulting or a bit low (again, quite rare).
I bought a container 4 yrs ago, and had to chuck it this spring because I never really used it.
Have never used the 'natural' vermX type wormers so cant comment on them.
For a tonic I use warm sloppy porridge (which they love) and the occasional vitamin stuff diluted in water (when moulting or jus after being broody)
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Tavascarow
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When I buy a gallon of cider vinegar I break up a bulb of garlic & put it in.
After a week or so I use it sparingly in the drinking water.
Also poultry spice in the feed once a week.
Apart from that as many slugs, snails & caterpillars I find when I'm weeding & a bucket of weeds every day.
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Castle Farm
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I use CAV in the water for my birds from the first drink they have after hatching and right through the life of the birds.
It helps prevent cocci, as it lowers the ph in the gut..(used along with good stockmanship and cleanliness).
It's wonderfull stuff and gives the birds a natural tonic without having to resort to any of the chemical rubbish that is now on the market for bird keepers.
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GSHP
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CAV seems to be the one everyone agrees on, I think I'll certainly give it a try.
Thanks.
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bodger
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Many addditives are designed more to catch the poultry keeper rather than assist the chickens that they keep. IMO the very best tonic for birds are proper free range and fresh grass.
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Chez
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A teaspoon on cider apple vinegar in a half pint of warm water does wonders for me in the morning, too!
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bodger
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| Chez wrote: | | A teaspoon on cider apple vinegar in a half pint of warm water does wonders for me in the morning, too! |
A couple of pints of cider in the evening does wonders for me as well. 
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colour it green
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how much cider vinegar do you put in their water?
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