Zinc poisoning in galvanized feeders

cjpines · Jun 6, 2014

I just read on Natural Chicken Keeping, zinc is present in galvanized feeders and they suggest not using these feeders. These feeders have been sold all over feed stores for years.

My bird is sick and the vet said it may be Mareks or lead/zinc poisoning. I'm wondering about these feeders.

Does anyone know about this in more detail?

dikbiscuit · Jun 6, 2014

Interested in knowing the answer to this myself as I was planning on using a galvanised steel feeder.

cjpines · Jun 6, 2014

I just looked up this web page on it.

http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/2013/03/lead-and-zinc-hidden-dangers-to-your.html

I told my husband not to use vinegar or anything acid to clean the galvanized feed feeders. Still the jury is out on this one.

OrganicChicken · Jun 7, 2014

so, if plastic and galvanized feeders are no good what do we use?

Michael Apple · Jun 7, 2014

OrganicChicken said:
so, if plastic and galvanized feeders are no good what do we use?

Nothing wrong with good quality plastic containers. Just stay away from junk made in China like Tractor Supply stores carry. I've used these for years and they are durable and easy to clean with a brush:
http://www.miller-mfg.com/product/PPF3.html

ChickenLover200 · Jun 7, 2014

I've always used the galvanized metal waterers.. never had a problem. I didn't know about this... I'm going to read into it now

Michael Apple · Jun 7, 2014

ChickenLover200 said:
I've always used the galvanized metal waterers.. never had a problem. I didn't know about this... I'm going to read into it now

I never liked metal since supplements like ascorbic acid and some sanitizers cause corrosion. I've seen these low quality types made in China before I would never use.

ChickenLover200 · Jun 7, 2014

I got ours form TSC we've had them for a few years now.. none of the chickens seemed to be sick or anything though... maybe these are different.... I don't know..

cjpines · Jun 7, 2014

I'm going to use only new galvanized water and feeders, if I find any chips or rust spots I will toss. If you use plastic be sure it's BHA approved. Yes, don't buy cheap plastic containers due to the fact if they get heated in hot summer sun or a hot coop with water they will leak toxic chemicals. Just like us, no plastic water containers in our car and not to Microwave with plastic.

Eggcessive · Jun 7, 2014

I have a mixture of both plastic and metal waterers. The galvanized do well if no ACV is used, and if they are kept up off the floor. However, once they rust, they shouldn't be used anymore. I find the plastic ones hard to clean, and several of each type have been returned because they were defective or screw-on lids didn't fit. With having 50-80 birds at a time, I use flat wide rubber bowls for water in warm weather placed in shady spots in addition to the metal and plastic ones.

Zinc poisoning in galvanized feeders

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