FINCHforum

my tap water has a ph of 6.5. i'd like to use ACV for the benefits it offers but the ph is on the acidic side. is it worth adding once a week? on the alkaline side, is there any reason to lower it? megamix has been recommended. what is ideal?

I add ACV to my water, but mine is very alkaline, over 8. I don't know if I would add ACV.

i read that raw ACV is alkaline-forming instead of acid-forming. i'm guessing that's why the raw is so popular. if this is true, then i could possibly benefit from it. thoughts?

The PH of any vinegar is about 3, it is acidic and will lower the PH of water.

There is a product out there, Megamix, in the blurb about it's benefits and uses it states:
Normal Bird Crop- has a pH of 4; the proventriculus about 2; intestines around 6.5-7 and the cloaca a pH of 6.5-7. Megamix in normal tap water lowers the pH to 5.3 to 5.4. Therefore if the normal drinking water has an even higher pH than 7.5, the addition of more Megamix will be necessary to bring the pH into the 5.3 to 5.4 range. The amount of Megamix needed can be determined by observation of the droppings which should be tight and well formed with just a small amount of water.

So I would say if you are sure you want to lower the PH you'll have to test the water before adding the vinegar and then again after till you determine the proper amount to add in your situation. Be aware if the vinegar ends up being too strong the birds will not drink it so watch and make sure they do.

good luck
I'd be interested in how you make out

so ACV and megamix are similar in what they do? that they both bring the ph down and both have benefits. i've used megamix in the past not knowing about the ph factor. if dr. marshall is correct, the ph should be in the 5.3-5.4 range? please let me know if i'm just not getting it

That's what he says. I don't add either and my PH is about neutral 6-7 and have never had a problem.

sally and debbie, thx for the input