Apple Cider Vinegar for Chickens. Benefits, Dosage, and Safe Use

Kerrie Hyland
Oct 28
3 min read

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of the most widely used supplements in backyard chicken keeping.

This age-old remedy offers a wide range of benefits from immune support and digestion to pathogen control and coop cleanliness.

Child hugging two chickens in a barn with straw-covered ground, surrounded by more chickens. The child is smiling joyfully.

Why Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Chickens?

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains beneficial compounds such as acetic acid, enzymes, and probiotics (especially when it includes the “mother”).

These components contribute to a healthier gut microbiome, improved digestion, and enhanced immune function.

Key Benefits of ACV for Chickens:

Supports digestive health and gut flora
Acts as a natural antimicrobial
May reduce harmful bacteria in drinking water
Helps improve calcium absorption for strong eggshells
Supports respiratory function
Aids in detoxification and resilience to stress

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar in Chicken Water

Adding ACV to your chickens’ water is the most common and effective method of administration.

Recommended Dosage:

1 tablespoon (20 mL) per 4 litres of water for general health
Can be used in a more concentrated dilution in food when addressing health conditions.
Use plastic or glass containers only, never metal, as vinegar can react with it and leach harmful compounds

Frequency:

2–4 times per week for general wellness
Daily during periods of stress, weather changes, or after antibiotic use

Rooster and hens pecking grass in a rustic yard. The rooster is vibrant with orange and black feathers. Earthy background with logs.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Improve Eggshell Quality?

Yes, ACV may enhance calcium absorption by acidifying the digestive tract. This can lead to stronger, more resilient eggshells, especially in older hens or birds with borderline calcium levels.

Pair ACV with:

Free-choice crushed oyster shell or shell grit
A balanced, calcium-rich diet

ACV for Cleaning the Coop

ACV is a safe, non-toxic alternative to harsh chemical cleaners in your coop and nesting boxes. Its antimicrobial properties help reduce the microbial load on surfaces without disturbing the respiratory system of sensitive birds.

Natural Coop Cleaner Spray:

1 part apple cider vinegar
1 part water
Optional: few drops of essential oils like lemon or eucalyptus (ensure ventilation)

Use weekly during coop cleaning or as needed for odor control.

Precautions When Using Apple Cider Vinegar

While ACV is a gentle and natural product, a few precautions apply:

Do not use in metal waterers (especially galvanized)
Avoid daily long-term use without breaks, it may alter pH balance excessively
Never mix ACV with other medications, probiotics, or supplements in the same water
Introduce slowly and monitor for any signs of digestive upset

FAQ: Apple Cider Vinegar for Chickens

Can ACV treat worms or parasites in chickens?

Not directly. ACV may help make the gut environment less hospitable to parasites, but it’s not a standalone dewormer. Use as part of a broader natural parasite management plan.

Is apple cider vinegar safe for chicks?

Use with caution. A weak dilution can be used for chicks over 2 weeks old. Always offer plain water as well.

Will ACV affect egg taste?

No, not at recommended dosages.

Can I use this in my chickens with Canker

Yes, It can help change the pH of the water, which impacts how well the organism survives, you can learn more about this in the blog post How to Identify and Manage Canker Infection in Chickens, Naturally

What’s the difference between filtered and unfiltered ACV?

Filtered apple cider vinegar has been clarified to remove the “mother”, the stringy, cloudy substance made up of beneficial bacteria, enzymes, and proteins that form naturally during fermentation. This gives it a clear appearance and a longer shelf life, but it loses most of its probiotic and enzymatic activity in the process.

Unfiltered apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, contains the “mother” and is typically labelled as raw or organic. It’s cloudy and may form sediment at the bottom of the bottle. This is completely normal and indicates that it still contains living microorganisms and bioactive compounds

Unfiltered ACV with the “mother” contains beneficial enzymes and probiotics. Always choose raw, organic ACV for best results.

Tip: Shake the bottle gently before use to evenly distribute the “mother.”

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Chickens?

Apple cider vinegar is a valuable tool in holistic chicken care. Simple, affordable, and packed with benefits. From gut health and eggshell strength to cleaner coops and immune support, ACV has earned its place in the natural poultry keeper’s toolkit.

As with any supplement: