3 Myths
Within the poultry world
Coming into the poultry world, you want to do the best for your birds, but there are so many confusing rumors, conflicting facts, and people who always think they know best. Let's go through three of these.
DISCLAMIER: I am not an expert. This text in based on my research and my experience.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple Cider Vinegar is a popular trend in the hobby chicken community, famous for its supposed "miracle" healing properties. It is claimed to help the immune system, fight disease, increase mucus flow, act as a dewormer, and stop diarrhea.
The trend with ACV began when antibiotic-resistant bacteria started to appear in agriculture. People started looking for alternatives to replace antibiotics, and that's how the effects of ACV were first noticed.
The trend has persisted for many years and is now common in backyard flocks. However, with popularity comes misinformation. People often claim they've never had a sick chicken or pest problem while using ACV—but the same could be said by those who don't use it and still have healthy birds. ACV is not a miracle cure.
There are also downsides to ACV:
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It delays stomach emptying and creates a feeling of fullness. In sick birds, this can make a critical difference, as it slows nutrient absorption.
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It lowers potassium levels in the body, which can lead to weak bones and heart problems.
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Some birds drink less water because they dislike the taste. ACV has also been shown to have a burning effect on the skin and throat.
There is some specific research showing that ACV can help in certain cases, such as reducing harmful gut bacteria and preventing algae and bacterial growth in water containers. However, there are just as many disproven claims against it, so why take the risk?
Today, we have probiotics specifically made for poultry, which achieve many of the same benefits ACV claims to provide.
There are also good studies supporting the use of acidified copper sulfate to clean water containers. Personally, I clean mine daily with Virkon-S, which is approved for container use.
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Natural Deworming
We often assume that "natural" is better than chemicals, but rumors about naturally deworming your birds can do more harm than good. There is no truly natural method that effectively eliminates a worm infection — it takes proper medication to do that.
That said, you can support your bird's gut health with natural remedies like pumpkin seeds. These create a hostile environment for worms and may help reduce their numbers, though the effect is likely only temporary.
It's always recommended to perform a fecal test if you suspect worms. This helps determine the type of infection and is important because, like bacteria, worms are becoming increasingly resistant to drugs. Deworming unnecessarily contributes to more resistant worms.
When one of my Silkies tested positive for tapeworm eggs, I researched the most effective treatment for that specific type. During her treatment, I also boosted her gut health with Verm-X Original to help flush out the eggs.
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Protein and Silkies
When I first started keeping Silkies, I read and heard everywhere that they need a higher-protein diet than other breeds.
I could never find any facts or studies explaining why, and no one could give a real answer for why they supposedly need more protein.
Because so many people said it, I always believed this myth — until I joined the Facebook group Crossbeaks and Special Needs. There, I learned facts showing why this myth can actually be harmful. Excessive protein can lead to gout in Silkies, and focusing on protein distracts from what they truly need: proper vitamin supplementation, as Silkies are prone to vitamin deficiencies.
I've never discovered exactly where this myth originated. My guess is that it stems from their unique feathering, which may have led people to assume they need more protein.
The truth is, Silkies do fine on a 16–20% protein feed, just like any other breed. What's crucial is to provide them with a good multivitamin supplement.
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