Algae in waterers?

[OkieB]

Just this past week both of my waterers have become plagued with algae buildup. Is this an issue? How can I get rid of this? What causes it? I've never had this issue in almost 2 years. Thanks in advance!

 

[HenHouse4Life]

I use a little apple cider vinegar in mine. I heard it helped and I haven't had algae since

 

[TheYLWFlock]

Ate you keeping them I’m sunlight? Just clean them out and replace water regularity. If the problem continues, think about replacing your waterers. Has there been any change in your cities water that you are aware of? Apple cider vinegar helps.

 

[blackdog043]

Have you moved your waterers?
You can put copper tubing inside your waterers, this will inhibit algae. Also pennies with a date of 1882 or older are 95% copper, these could also be added.

 

[The Phantom]

I put 3ml of bleach to a gallon of water. It keeps the water nice and fresh.
There is no slime or algae either.

 

[OkieB]

Ate you keeping them I’m sunlight? Just clean them out and replace water regularity. If the problem continues, think about replacing your waterers. Has there been any change in your cities water that you are aware of? Apple cider vinegar helps.

They are both shaded. No changes that I'm aware of.

 

[OkieB]

I put 3ml of bleach to a gallon of water. It keeps the water nice and fresh.
There is no slime or algae either.

Bleach is okay for the chickens to drink?

 

[The Phantom]

Bleach is okay for the chickens to drink?

My friends do it with all their birds. It is just like drinking city water. You could drink it if you want.

 

[dunnmom]

I used to get algae all of the time. Would clean the container and nipples in bleach water, but it just comes back. It’s the sun that promotes algae growth, just like in a pool when chlorine levels get low. Even if you have shade it will grow, just not as fast. My mom gave me a nipple waterer made from blue tinted plastic. No algae yet, and it’s been 3 weeks. It’s called Hen Hydrator, and I’m a big fan of it so far. A little algae won’t hurt them, but a lot might cause tummy trouble. Some species of blue-green algae is toxic.

 

[imnukensc]

Have you moved your waterers?
You can put copper tubing inside your waterers, this will inhibit algae. Also pennies with a date of 1882 or older are 95% copper, these could also be added.

Copper works wonderfully for no algae in the water. It is a natural biocide. I think blackdog meant 1982 or earlier for the pennies. I haven't had to clean my waterer in over a year and I'm on well water.