Diagnostic Flowcharts for Your Flock’s Health with All-Natural Remedies
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ― Nelson Mandela
No matter what industry you’re in, change is the only thing that’s guaranteed. Although it’s hundreds of years old, the poultry world changes just as fast and just as often. One of the newest and best changes to happen in our world as of late has been the revolution to backyard poultry owners, the rise of homesteading, and the explosion of e-commerce business and online shopping. Without these three things, Purely Poultry simply would not be.
Another change lately has been the desire to raise our own birds without the use of medications and vaccinations that eventually affect the food these beautiful birds produce. Even if you choose to vaccinate and medicate, new laws passed restrict what types of medications are available for use on ailing chickens and other poultry.
Like you, Purely Poultry has been seeking good advice and the best tips on treating our flocks with natural and safe products and identifying illnesses and issues in our birds without having to schlep the birds to a veterinary clinic.
Luckily, we found the following publication. The information in it is so valuable, we decided it was important to share it with all of our customers and blog readers because who keeps a good thing like this to themselves?
The following information on Alternative Disease Treatment is provided by and shared with express permission by:
Casey Rogers-Trinkaus,
The Fertrell Company – Livestock & Poultry Specialists, Bainbridge, PA 17502
With any sort of illness coming on in a flock, start treating with a combination of Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic Water/Oil, and Vitamin E Oil. All of these are approved for certified organic operations.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Organic, 60 Grain. 1 oz/gallon. Acts as a blood cleanser and works very well for heat stress.
Garlic Water – 1 clove of minced garlic soaked in 5 gallons of water for 24 hours. Give this water as the sole drinking water source. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and works well to combat any respiratory illness. If garlic tincture or oil is available, use it at 1 ox./gallon. To make garlic tincture, mince 5 cloves of garlic and let it soak in vodka for 30 days prior to use.
Vitamin E Oil – 100 IU/bird or 2-3 drops. For producers of scale, I just say 1 dropper full per waterer. Most birds will take it directly from the dropper if they’re sick. It floats so it must be put where the birds drink from, not in the reservoir and not run through water lines. Vitamin E helps to synthesize and better metabolize vitamins and minerals. Use at the first sign of any illness.
All of these may be used together. Only use during times of illness or stress, as prolonged use decreases their efficacy. Most treatments require 7-10 days.
With this information, the next time there’s a change that is not for the better in your coop, you’ll be better prepared to handle the situation and know how to treat the illness with products you feel good about.
