Algae

[Crazy Duck Lover]

Is this blue-green algae everyone warns about? If so, how do I get rid of it?

 

[Eggstatic ChickyDoo]

It doesn't look as dark as what I've seen, but I've seen it in ponds and fish tanks. You could try scooping some up- does it stick to itself with a thick, mucous-y texture? Does it have a distinctive odor?

 

[Crazy Duck Lover]

It doesn't look as dark as what I've seen, but I've seen it in ponds and fish tanks. You could try scooping some up- does it stick to itself with a thick, mucous-y texture? Does it have a distinctive odor?

I’ll go try to scoop some in a second. It has no odor at all. If it has no smell, does that mean it’s regular algae?

 

[Eggstatic ChickyDoo]

It's probably not the dreaded BGA, then. The stuff is pretty pungent, IME.

 

[Crazy Duck Lover]

It's probably not the dreaded BGA, then. The stuff is pretty pungent, IME.

Is there anything else I need to look at to be sure?

 

[Eggstatic ChickyDoo]

Rate of growth is the other distinctive thing. BGA can easily double in a day. If that is BGA, expect it to look much worse tomorrow. It makes the water it's in taste bad, so if animals have a clean alternative source of water they're usually okay- but I've heard the fumes can also be irritating if there's a large area of it.

 

[Crazy Duck Lover]

Ok! I’ve been watching it for a few weeks trying to determine what it is, and I haven’t noticed much growth! I’m just making sure with the experts! Thank you very much!

 

[Eggstatic ChickyDoo]

This thread has some helpful links: https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...g-the-silent-killer-blue-green-algae.1407775/

And here's a video that might help: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...wqsBegQIIBAG&usg=AOvVaw1DKZ27PiSh58AI3xFrfKGY

 

[Eggstatic ChickyDoo]

Ok! I’ve been watching it for a few weeks trying to determine what it is, and I haven’t noticed much growth! I’m just making sure with the experts! Thank you very much!

It's probably just run of the mill algae, then

 

[Crazy Duck Lover]

Thank goodness! I was over here stressing for no reason, thinking I had to relocate my ducks to the other side of the property!