Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an acidic vinegar solution produced by fermenting apples. It is sometimes added to the flock's drinking water to help maintain the acidity of the bird's crop, which is why it can be beneficial for birds with early stage sour crop.
ACV should NOT be added to the drinking water at the same time that birds are:
- Receiving certain medications, such as macrolide antibiotics (Tylan, Aivlosin), since these drugs are inactivated in an acidic environment.
- When its really hot, and hens are suffering from heat stress, since acified water reduces the availability of calcium in their diet.
