Sunday, February 17, 2013

Apple Cider Vinigar (with mother)



A friend of mine and fellow breeder gave me a wonderful tip I would like to share with all of you.  I have used this for about 4 months now and I feel it has made my flock stronger and healthier.  About once a week I put about 4 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar (with mother) in a gallon of water and use that as my birds only source of water for 1 day.  You would think that they wouldn't like it but they do.  I have found that it helps the sluggish bird feel better. 

I had a bourke parakeet that never really seemed healthy from the time I got him.  He was always sitting on the bottom of the cage.  He ate and would fly around once in a while but not active like the others.  I started using the apple cider vinegar with mother and after about 2 or 3 weeks, its like I had a new bird.  He never sits on the bottom of the cage anymore and is much more active and alert and has started to fill out like he should have.  Since then, I have used it for all my finches, lovebirds, parakeets and larger birds with only good results.  I was told that it helps them with the digestive tract to help bring the good flora back into balance.  So far, it has helped.

I had a gentleman that bought some parakeets from me bring by one of his other parakeets for a wing trim.  This bird was from someone else and had been in a home that had cigarette smoke and a bad food source.  The little hen had diarrhea.  I suggested the apple cider vinegar and about a week later, he said she was much better.  I don't know if that was the cure, but I know it has helped mine.

Remember, never give this straight, it MUST be diluted.  You can harm your birds.  The dose of 4 T per gallon of water is what I use. Feel free to try a lesser dose if it makes you more comfortable.   

Apple Cider Vinegar with mother is not expensive but can help your little feathered friends.