Raising chickens naturally has been my goal since my first flock. I’ve learned that you can improve the health of your chickens with 2 things: garlic and apple cider vinegar. This is a simple and inexpensive way to keep your flock healthy and I will show you how to do it.
To improve the health of your chickens naturally let’s start with garlic.
Did you know that garlic is a natural antibiotic? I use garlic to keep my family healthy, as well as keeping my chickens naturally healthy. Studies have shown that raw garlic can improve heart health, lower blood pressure, fight colds and much more (source). My grandmother made a cough syrup from garlic and honey that I use to this day! Chickens can benefit from garlic too…and most of them love it!
Improve the Health of Chickens Naturally – Feed Garlic 
Why? Just like garlic improves our health, it can improve the health of chickens naturally. Garlic can strengthen their immune system, boost the respiratory system, help to ward off lice and mites as well as act as a natural wormer.
How? So how do you give your chickens garlic? There are several ways. I think the best method it to simply crush bulbs and mince it; offer this as a treat all by itself or mixed with other treats. You can also add mashed whole cloves to water (3-4 cloves per gallon). Do not add to water if you use a galvanized steel water dispenser; this can leach chemicals into the water. If you do add it to your water make sure you only leave the garlic in for 2 – 3 days. If you don’t want to use fresh garlic you can add powdered garlic to feed, although I do not think this is as powerful as the fresh raw garlic.
When? You really only need to feed your chickens fresh garlic once or twice a month; too much of a good thing can be unhealthy for them. You can do the garlic in the water weekly because it is not as potent.
Remember to use organic garlic!
Improve the Health of Chickens Naturally – Feed Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Why? Raw apple cider vinegar, like Braggs, can help your chickens naturally maintain optimum digestive health. It is also an immunity booster, rid a chicken of sour crop and generally improve their health.
How? The best way to feed ACV to your chickens is to add one tablespoon to every gallon of fresh water. Remember, this too, should not be add to metal water dispensers. You can give them a plastic water dispenser when you’re offering them the apple cider vinegar.
When? To give them the best of the ACV benefits you should plan to offer them the apple cider vinegar water 1 to 2 times a week. I have heard that some flock owners will do an entire week just once a month.
There you have it. How to improve the health of your chickens naturally with garlic and apple cider vinegar. An inexpensive and easy way to ensure your flock live the healthiest live possible!
But wait….there’s MORE!
Sprouts for Chickens – a great feed supplement
I have heard so much about adding oregano oil for more antibiotic purposes. What do you think about it and how would you go about it? Add it to their water? How much? Or would you just give them oregano plants to munch on?
Thank you for the post!
How add oregano oil for my chickens ?
I would just feed them fresh oregano.
Thanks for your contribution. Please do you give the chickens the garlic and and the ACV at the same time?
Yes, but you do not have to.
Hello, new chicken momma here, first I’m loving your blog! Second at what age do you start feeding them garlic, adding acv to their water? Before they go to the coop?
Thanks
I would probably wait until they are laying but you could start younger in smaller amounts.
Our hens have scaly leg mite . They had a breakout of lice too what treatment would you recommend to bring them back to good health ? Thank you .
I would try coconut oil if you’re looking for something natural. And make sure that you are using the ideas in the post to keep their health optimal. Make sure their environment is clean too.