algae in water container

[Equus5O]

I have well water, and I've used both organic and non-organic cider vinegar in the waterers. I don't do the water daily; every other day at least. I've used each of the vinegars in the water during both the cooler than normal, and hotter than normal days. The waterers became slimy and mildewy either way; organic or non, hot or cool.

 

[cmom]

I have most of my problems with algea in the summer when the weather is hotter. I have well water.

 

[ducks4you]

Algae indicates that the water you are giving your birds is safe, else it wouldn't grow. Use chlorine bleach if you will, but mostly a good, new toilet brush and maybe and old toothbrush for fine cleaning will scrub it off with just fresh water.

For my horses, I keep goldfish in the tank in the summer, mostly because when I didn't have any, I could spot the mosquito larvae in it. But, ALSO, I give my horses well water and if there was a problem with their water, ALL of the fish would die. Rather them, then the horses.

Algae won't hurt your birds. It just looks yucky to us.

 

[tackyrama]

Quote:
VERY good post. Most people in America tend to think that everything has to be completely sanitized. It's a urban thing. City folks just can't stand the down & dirty. I'm not saying things should be filthy, but lets face it, even organic farming practices can look pretty disgusting. It's getting so bad that we can't even reuse these plastic "burlap" bags. Not even once! Remember the real burlap bags? They were so cool! They were used over and over many times. Lets see now - how long were burlap bags in use around the world? 100 yrs. 200 yrs? I don't know but I hope you see my point.

My daughter-in-law was near hysterical when they had to move into a rental house for a short time while their new house was being built. It seems this house had a shallow well (under 50 feet) and she was concerned about bacteria. I informed her that years ago EVERYBODY had shallow wells and all was well. Your body adjusts to it. Your neighbors well might have a slightly different bacteria but you would get used to that too.

I don't worry much about the chickens water. If it's clear, its OK. They also have a small pond right next to the coop they're always drinking from, algae and all. My birds are healthy and happy.

 

[ShaggysGirl]

Quote:
I wouldn't use red wine vinegar. For their water you need unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the mothers in it. In a pinch I would probably use filtered acv but it wouldn't have as many benefits

 

[Shannon's Chix]

I had the same problem so read this thread. I followed onthespot's advice, wiping the container when I changed the water daily with grass and it really works well! Stopped the yucky slimy build up!

 

[ecopepper]

Mine like to drink from the dirty water in the yard rather than the clean I give them daily. Is it okay or should I intervine? The water bowl outside is yucky but not too too bad??

 

[Redhot419]

A little vinegar in the water will help keep algae from growing

No ACV in warm/hot months! Google it, but I believe it throws off their pH

Baking soda is supposed to be OK during the summer months