Apple cider vinegar to keep water clean?

[HAPPYPONY15]

Hi everyone,
I have a 5-gallon waterer in my coop (well, technically in the run, but you know what I mean), and I'm worried about it getting gross in there. I've been changing it every 3 days just to be safe, but I would like to be more confident in its cleanliness. Is apple cider vinegar a good idea, and if so, how much? Does it have any health benefits?

Thank you for helping me keep my girls healthy and happy!!!

 

[nuthatched]

It may prevent some algae but won't have any health benefits in municipal water.
I'd recommend Barley straw bags.

 

[HAPPYPONY15]

It may prevent some algae but won't have any health benefits in municipal water.
I'd recommend Barley straw bags.

What are those?

 

[nuthatched]

What are those?

Little burlap bag with barley straw in them, there's a few brands, I familiar with the Stockmans Secret ones. Keeps the water from growing things.
Keeping the water out if the sin also helps.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

You can put ACV in their water. I have seen some people claim they give health benefits. I personally just put hydro hen and some liquid vitamins in their water on a hot day and just wash their bucket with dish soap the next time I fill up their water after adding something in.

In terms of preventing algae growth, we use a bucket with horizontal nipples. This works fantastic and we get zero algae growth as the bucket is opaque. Prior to this, we used semi-transparent waterers which would regularly have algae growth.

 

[HAPPYPONY15]

Ok thank you!