Cider Vinegar...?

whats the reason some fanciers use apple/cider vinegar in the drinking water...how does it benefit the pigeons...?

Here is a bit of info on Cider vinegar David:-

Cider Vinegar

Like anything else, apple cider vinegar can be overdosed. In too great a quantity it can even damage good intestinal bacteria.


The high quantity of acid absorbs calcium (lime) and removes it from the system, which results in motor and reproductive problems.

So overdoses of apple vinegar should be avoided. The dose for 5% apple cider vinegar is 4-8ml per litre of drinking water, 1-3 times a week.

If we administer it more regularly, e.g. in prolonged hot weather, we should choose a lower level of concentration.

I got this info from PIPA - so I guess it is factual.  Hope this helps


Cider Vinegar help to address the imbalance in the pigeons gut and crop and keeps it slightly 'Acid' which is a good thing and helps to stop all sorts of nasties.

Phil

raises ph of water, most bacteria find it hard to live in acidic conditions, mine never have plain water, just the way I been taught

ive had some for about a year or so, havnt used it for ages......does it go off ?

David wrote:

ive had some for about a year or so, havnt used it for ages......does it go off ?

yes david, it will separate after while

I use cider vinegar to increase the acid level in the water try to combat bad bugs

I use the ropa b liquid, will this do the same sort of thing as the cider vinegar...?

I have used it on occasion. However, with the birds fielding now I quit it. Same as cabbage and green stuffs. Minerals, grit whatever they pick up what they need. Stock birds are 99% ex racers so all go out. To feed a pigeon with a complete diet, pellets are ideal. But again, they will be lacking in something.

never given my pigeons greens, I always remember giving my rabbit too much greens when I was a kid, gave it the runs and it died.............

fresh grit is given daily in my loft, and black / pink minerals 3 times a week....plus % of pellets all year round which increases during breeding....

Mine get the water after we've had any vegetables with no salt added

David wrote:

I use the ropa b liquid, will this do the same sort of thing as the cider vinegar...?

As a new user of ROPA B liquid and powder - I think ROPA B will do a little more for our birds than cider vinegar will - BUT, Cider Vinegar is MUCH cheaper than any ROPA product.

In this day and age, if we can save a penny or two, so much the better.

Phil

David wrote:

never given my pigeons greens, I always remember giving my rabbit too much greens when I was a kid, gave it the runs and it died.............

fresh grit is given daily in my loft, and black / pink minerals 3 times a week....plus % of pellets all year round which increases during breeding....

Must admit I've never been all that big on given them greens etc also David . Could have some small benefit I suspect for some, but more than likely I would place greens in the feel good moment on the flyers side etc . If I had my choice thou I would much prefer to go down the Spiralina trail for the birds.  

you would need a significant amount of vinegar to bring the water ph to a level whereby no cross contamination will occur ,avidress is good for this the mother vinegar does still have prebiotic qualities though and is beneficial to use but so are other things ...only ever give watercress to the birds that's the only greens used here