What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
The basis of acv is sweet apple cider. When the cider is left out in the air for a while, it ferments into alcohol which is called hard cider. The hard cider is then fermented again into acetic acid, and becomes vinegar. Be sure to purchase organic, unfiltered, unpasteurized, naturally fermented ACV for its medicinal features.
Why Should I Care?
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ACV has the ability to prevent growth of bacteria and mould. Therefore, it can be used to remove pesticides from fresh produce, prevent bacterial growth on seeds during the sprouting season, and allow you to leave fresh food in the cage for a longer period of time. However, we do not recommend leaving fresh foods in your bird's cage for more than 4-6 hours.
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ACV helps alleviate symptoms from many illnesses and ailments not by curing any diseases, but by boosting the bird’s immune system to make it easier for the bird to fight the illness.
ACV should not be used internally for those birds that have irritation of the mucous (lining) of the intestinal tract.
- ACV contains a multitude of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients and substances that are beneficial for your bird.
Vitamins: Bioflavonoids (vitamin P), Beta-carotene (precursor to vitamin A), vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6.
Minerals: Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Chlorine, Phosphorus, Iron, Silicon + other trace minerals.
Other: Tannins from the crushed cell walls of fresh apples, Malic acid, Tartaric acid, Propionic acid, Acetic acid, Pectin (fibre)
Known Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Arthritis, Gout, Kidney Disease, Joint Pain
- The malic acid content of apples dissolves calcium deposits and acid crystals which reduces swelling and alleviates the pain of arthritis, joints, and Kidney diseases. ACV acts to balance the acid-alkaline pH levels of the body and helps to oxygenate and lower the uric acid in the blood which may help with Gout.
Digestion
- Helps break down minerals, proteins and fats. It also inhibits the growth of unfriendly bacteria in the digestive tract.
Detoxifying Properties, Strengthens Immune System
- ACV is commonly used to give your birds digestive tract a good flush. It is also a good way to strengthen your bird's immune system.
Viral, Bacterial, Fungal Infections
- ACV is often used as an antibacterial and has a natural antibiotic effect. Its benefits also include ameliorating respiratory infections and may reduce symptoms, such as watery eyes and nasal discharge. In addition ACV can be helpful in eliminating both internal and external parasite problems.
- ACV is commonly used for birds being hand fed to prevent yeast infections like sour crop.
- Yeast infections can become more of an issue when is a bird is stressed so it is a good idea to treat baby birds that are being hand reared or birds that have experienced stress recently.
- If your birds are breeding, we recommend doing an ACV treatment a few times a year to keep the birds healthy and prevent any infections that may occur from feeding babies, mating, or nesting.
Dry, Itchy Skin, Feather Problems
- If applied topically to wounds and burns it will decrease the pain and promote healing. It also controls minor bleeding from cuts and abrasions. Apple pectin binds to toxins in the body and assists in their removal.
How Do I Add It To My Bird's Diet?
There's a few ways you can incorporate ACV into your bird's diet. But before you do, it is important to know that an ACV treatment will flush out the bad bacteria, but it will also flush out the good bacteria. When using Apple Cider Vinegar on your bird, we suggest including a probiotic or an inclusive vitamin supplement afterwards to help reset their gut flora.
If your bird eats fruits and veggies every day, ACV can be added to their chop. Put your ACV in a spray bottle and give it a spritz!
For picky eaters, ACV can be diluted into their water. Dosage can vary depending on the size of the bird, and the owner's preference. We suggest the following:
For preventative treatment / healthy birds:
- 1 tbsp per litre of water.
For treatment of sick birds:
- 1.5 tbsp per litre of water.
We recommend running the ACV treatment for two weeks. A probiotic supplement should be given for a week after the treatment is finished. You may choose to start the probiotic at the same time as the ACV (total 3 weeks of probiotics) or only do the week after the ACV (total 1 week probiotics). Either way, a probiotic supplement must be given for a full week after the ACV treatment is finished.
