May 05, 2010
Tonic for Chickens
Some of the readers of this blog have asked me to write more on natural poultry rearing methods. This post is for readers of citypullagro and lopehpoultry and other poultry blogs.
At our farm we use this tonic for the chickens:
We use a large glass jar ('balang'). Do not use plastic. Here's the receipe:
Ginger, red or normal 1 kg
Garlic 1 kg
Small red onions 1 kg
Kunyit 1 kg
Chili Padi 500gms
Lengkuas 200gms
Serai 500gms
Hempedu Bumi leaves I handful
Patawali stem (images) 50gms
Slice, pound, crush as need be to release the active ingredients.
Top up with Apple Cider Vinegar
Let sit for minimum 2 weeks. Can keep up to a year.
To Use
One part tonic to 1000 parts water for 5 days for adult chickens.
One part tonic to 2000 parts water for 3 days for chicks.
One teaspoon to a glass of warm water once a week for humans.
Indications
This is a preventive and a restorative. It is not a cure.
Note that there is no 'cure' for viral diseases like Newcastle. This tonic will reduce mortality but will not cure.
If you are serious about rearing poultry as a means of earning a living, implement a strict vaccination (allowed by organic standards) and biosecurity program and never ease off just because your birds have not shown disease for years.
Don't waste money using antibiotics (not permitted by organic standards) for viral diseases.
Also do not waste time listening to those selling all kinds of natural and herbal remedies for viral outbreaks. THEY DON'T WORK!!!
Notes:
For smaller quantities, reduce each ingredient by a certain percentage, say, you want to make 10% of the above, use 100gms ginger, etc.
Apple Cider is available at Giant. Choose the cheapest, you don't have to follow the brand shown above.
Be careful with lengkuas. The danger dose worked out by us for chickens is 5 grams fresh root for a 2 kg bird. So, better to use less than more.
Close container tightly to prevent molds and fungi which may release toxins harmful to the chickens.
17:50 Posted in Chickens | Permalink | Comments (4) | Tags: ayam kampung, poultry disease, poultry tonic, poultry medication