What is Cider Vinegar used for in finch keeping?

[Lonchura]

I remember years ago when I was much younger hearing older members of my club discussing Cider Vinegar. Can anyone please tell me what it is used for? And the ratio to use it. Or has it been superseded by another wonder drug?

[Danny]

It is used to simply acidify (to inhibit the growth of certain pathogens e.g. yeast) or reacidify (if pathology has caused damage) those parts of the gastrointestinal system that require a low pH. If organic ACV is used it is also claimed to have some probiotic effect (can't hurt, might help).
The most commonly quoted dose rate is 10 ml/litre water.

[Diane]

There is an article in this newsletter about cider vinegar.
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and several topics where cider vinegar is mentioned
search.php?keywords=cider+vinegar&terms ... mit=Search" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[nirep]

I use the stuff at a rate of 5ml per litre.

[jusdeb]

I use 5ml per litre twice a week , the lorries have it all the time due to the high sugar content of their diet and thus preventing candida issues.
Keeps the water a tad fresher especially in summer and makes for a healthy crop .
You need to be using the health food store type as it has the " mother " in it which is the beneficial part of the vinegar .
Is also used when handrearing at the first sign of a sour or slow crop .
Good stuff

[Finchman1]

I use a mix that is Apple Cider vinegar and garlic.I got it from the local produce store,Only use 1ml per litre as it is concentrated.

[Myzomela]

The most effective form is said to be the unpasteurised, unfiltered apple cider vinegar- this is what has the "mother" in it, as Deb mentioned.

[jusdeb]

http://www.naturalbird.com/mcwatters/acv_for_birds.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Pete Sara]

I use 5mls to the litre , not all the time some times every two weeks and then otheres every six i guess. there also is a bit on the stuff in just finches mag volume 7 in the vets view point.... ..pete

[Lonchura]

Thank you all for this help.
I have been breeding birds since I was six and I am still learning new things every day. The older I get, the more I realise I don't know as much as I thought I did.
I love the way people on this site are so helpfull and so quick with the replies. Once again Thank you all