FINCHforum

For those who use the acv in the drinking water , do you use it everyday? Then do the birds just get used to it? I read somewhere that they need plain fresh water also. I am trying to do everything right so I am wondering how others use the acv. Are there any other benefit to the birds health using acv besides keeping the water healthier?

I'm going to move this to Diet & Nutrition, as ACV falls in that category. There has been much discussion lately about ACV. I don't know that there has been a lot of research of ACV and finches, but I put it in the drinking water (and bath water) just about every day, unless I am giving something else (calcium, meds).

Hi,

My local avian vet, whom I adore and think VERY highly of, recommends a quarterly regimen of one week of ACV in the water and one week of probiotics in the water. Then plain water for the next three months (I do sometimes add a drop or two of GSE or Vanodine, just to kill anything that might be in our tap water!).

have been doing this with my parrots, canaries, doves, etc. for years. I can get you the exact dosing instructions if you are interested. I believe his philosophy is that TOO much ACV is not a good thing, because it not only inhibits the growth of BAD bacteria in the gut, but also inhibits the growth of GOOD bacteria (which is why he suggests following up with a probiotic)!

I am not saying that using ACV any other way is wrong, just stating how we do it here at the advice of our avian vet.

Good luck!

Michelle

When you put a drop of GSE in the water doesn't it make the water bitter? I know I have used it for myself usually 5-6 drops in a big glass and it is soooooooooo bitter!! I was wondering if the finches drink it and how often you add it. I do use it for soaking seed. Thanks for your help.

star wrote:When you put a drop of GSE in the water doesn't it make the water bitter?

Hmmm...I have not noticed that. I put about 5 drops in the gallon container when I make iced tea for myself (which I drink all year long!), and sometimes in my coffee maker, too.

None of my birds seem to mind it, either. I don't think their "taste buds" are as sensitive to things like that as ours are - at least not my bigger birds. They can eat the hottest peppers on earth and come back for more!

Again, just my opinion...

In my country in Turkey WE use the A.C.V in tripe-soup and in salads very common..
not a few drops only,almost 1 table-spoon for a soup plate and salads..
I always rinse the foods with acv before I offer my birds ..
when I add it into my bird's water ,I also provide a plain water at the same time...

batuhan

I put 1 drop of ACV per 1oz of drinking water, every day.
One reason I do that is it slows down how fast the water tube gets slimy.
1 drop per 1oz of water is not very much and I have not seen any adverse behavior from the birds when they drink it.

As was mentioned, there has been LOTS of discussion on ACV.
In my research I have seen dosage ratios from
- high of 7.5ml per 8oz of water (1/4 cup ACV : 1 gal water)
- low of 0.1ml per 8oz of water (1 tablespoon ACV : 1 gal water)
My 1 drop per 1oz of water comes to about 1ml per 8oz of water.
I have not been able to find a "good" source for a dosage recommendation, so I would stay on the lower side just to be safe.

What is GSE?

Check out this link on GSE
http://www.landofvos.com/articles/wingtips/gse.html