We know that lots of our supporters what to give their hens the best quality of care they can. We also know that a lot of those supporters want something that is natural, something they can give their hens to encourage good health and that may help keep away a vet visit. And you know what they say “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!”.
So, if we had to pick one natural product to give hens on a regular basis, it would be Apple Cider Vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar is made using the whole apple and provides enzymes and important minerals and vitamins in the form of Bioflavonoids, and is widely recognised as a great all-round tonic for hens.
For example, hens receiving Apple Cider Vinegar have been shown to regrow feathers faster than those not receiving it making it an ideal supplement for your new ex-caged hens.
So, what else does it do?
Well, firstly it can aid digestion, helping to break down minerals and fats by assisting the assimilation of proteins, converting food more effectively and preventing sour crop.
Secondly, Apple Cider Vinegar helps lower the pH level in the digestive tract rendering it less welcoming to pathogens. It also creates a hostile environment for E.coli organisms as well as Coccidiosis.
Thirdly it is also toxic to Trichomoniasis – the nasty protozoa that causes canker but shouldn’t be regarded as a cure for this condition.
Finally, if your hens lay soft shell eggs, Apple Cider Vinegar can also help to regulate the potassium levels in the body (it’s a natural source). Potassium controls the use of calcium in the body allowing more calcium to be freely available to prevent soft shells.
To find out more about soft shelled eggs click here.
And if all this wasn’t enough, Apple Cider Vinegar clears the respiratory tract, helps to clean the hens’ plumage and generally improves your girls’ well-being. It’s a real miracle tonic if you ask us!
One final bonus, but not so much to do with your hens’ health, apple cider vinegar depresses the growth of Algae in your drinker, keeping your hens’ drinking water fresher for longer, although we don’t recommend you use it in a metal drinker.
