[ck2day]

Something has just crossed my mind and maybe a daft question.  Do chickens need to be innoculated?

My ponies have flu and anti-tet jabs but what do chickens need?  I understand about worming and general health and wellbeing, first signs of problems, lice, mites etc etc etc..........Or do they not need anything?

Claire

[babe]

they can have jabs, but they come in doses of 1000, most backyard keepers dont bother

[GrannieAnnie]

The Amberlinks were vaccinated against Mareks at day old Claire, but like Babe said, when I enquired about other vaccines, I was told they only come in 1,000 doses, and not to bother.  I think things like fowl pest and other nasties are worse in big commercial flocks than in small bakyard flocks.

They have been wormed, but should be wormed regularly.  I do flubenvet every 6 months, and I'm looking into perhpas Verm-X I think was mentioned once a month.

Organically raised chooks are not vaccinated, so good housekeeping, and the use of apple cider vinegar and occasionally natural yoghurt all helps to keep their digestive systems clean and bacteria free.  (I think!)  but others on here know more about that sort of thing than I do!

[Fifitrix]

Can I ask a really daft question.  Is apple cider vinegar the same as the cider vinegar I use in my cooking?   :oops:  :?

[GrannieAnnie]

Sort of I think!  That's what I used when I first heard about it on here from Aunt Sally, but you can buy it in horsey-equestrian shops in 1 litre plastic bottles, but it was about £6.00!

I think Auntie said the shop stuff for cooking is more refined or something!

[Aunt Sally]

Grannie is quite right.

The stuff you need is the unrefined stuff that they sell for horses.

I's not the acid part they need but the tannin which is removed when purified.

The science bit (well nearly):
The tannin helps to remove excess mucus from the lining of the gut making it less easy for nasties to hideout there.

[GrannieAnnie]

So  if its the tannin they need Auntie, can I just give em a cup of tea?

[Aunt Sally]

So  if its the tannin they need Auntie, can I just give em a cup of tea?

Might keep them awake at night Grannie