Apple Cider Vinegar

[firstimer]

Hi I have Pigeons that don't get as much sun as they should, and I read something about Apple Cider Vinegar added to the water was a good idea. Can you please tell me how much per gallon every how many days?

[John_D]

Hi,

Just bumped up an old post on apple cider vinegar. It is supposed to be good for pigeons, used sparingly, but is not to counteract lack of sunlight.

What indoor pigeons need, or even loft pigeons where there are short days in winter and not much sun, is vitamin D. Found an old post (thanks Marian) from a knowledgeable member which lays out why they need D and why it is important that it is D3. Doesn't just apply to young birds.

'If groups of juvenile birds are fed diets low in calcium and vitamin D 3, birds in shady flight cages may show signs of rickets, while birds in sunny flights will be normal. Hypovitaminosis D 3 can easily occur in birds raised indoors. It is advisable to supplement indoor birds without access to natural sunlight with vitamin D 3. (D 2 is not sufficient--watch what you are buying). Signs of vitamin D 3 deficiency parallel those of calcium deficiency. Thin or soft shelled eggs, seizuring or leg weakness, bone fractures, bent or distorted leg bones in the young bird, indented sternum, easily broken bones, possible paralysis secondary to fractures. '

A pigeon supply store or a good pet store should be able to supply a water or food additive with D - but do make sure it has D3

John

[Trees Gray]

You can buy an avian vitamin called Prime for all birds with Vitamin D3 and all the rest.

Apple cider vinegar is to control bacteria. One teaspoon per gallon water is enough for good gut ph that bacteria doesn't like. If you put too much in their water they won't drink it. I don't use it in winter (for my outdoor birds), I use it mainly in the summer when bacteria is around.

Treesa

[maryco]

Hello,

Try a vitamin/mineral supplement that goes into the water (be sure to check the label and make sure it contains Vitamin D3)
That should help your bird if he is not in direct contact with sunlight!

I use a product called "Prime" by Hagens, it now contains probiotics and must be kept in the fridge. It's available at pet shops.

Mary

[Pigeonworldwide]

Its good against coli!

[slugmonkey]

there is a post in this category further down the page dealing with dosage and benifits I use ACV as first line of defense I dont get much disease but when I do I IMMEADIETLY give ACV this slows down spread if nothing else I also dose a lot heavier when I suspect a bug like 1/4 cup or more per gallon it seems to help most time I just use tbsp or so per gallon

[slugmonkey]

also full spectrum lighting is avaible its the ones used by herpotoligists ( snake guys, pretty sure I spelled it wrong ) I belive that it can help the problem its just a special flourscent bulb relatively inexpensive you can also feed oyster shell grit I mix this with a couple of other pickstones and grits I buy I think the importance of grit is overlooked a lot birds HAVE TO HAVE IT they need it to digest properly most contain caalcium as well as many trace minerals