Wow,
I don't get to the computer for a few days and lots of info has arrived. Thanks for all the comments
I'm coming at this from a number of directions with garlic and ACV.
Firstly talking to friends and colleagues who have kept hens for a while but also neighbours who have just started recently too (spurring me on to get my own hens) and have been advised by breeders.
Secondly from breeders who've recommended both garlic and ACV.
Garlic:
I've been told that in some people's experience this seems to lessen the smell of the chicken poo. Not sure why but I'm all for this if it works. Some friends have said their hens won't drink garlic'd water but that may be down to having three cloves in a water container rather than the 1 clove that I have started using.
I've also heard that it is generally good for them and some speak of it as a natural wormer which is why I have posted this thread for some confirmation. One friend who suggested the natural wormer has said that they have never had a problem with worms in 8 years despite not using a proprietary wormer. That could be luck, ignorance of a problem or magic garlic!
ACV:
I'm aware of benefits in humans, horses, dogs for arthritis which I think has been medically recommended but don't quote me on that and I haven't time to go searching the web myself. This on it's own is not relevant for chickens however ACV does seem to be recommended by breeders and suppliers (at least 50% of those I spoke to when looking to get hens) and not all of them were trying to sell me some.
Aunt Sallie's chicken info link at the top of the forum hasthis link for ACV:
http://www.eden-livestock.co.uk/apple_cider_vinegar_article.htmIt makes a lot of claims and presumably some of them must true or advertising standards would be having words?
Cheers
Ben