Cleaning a Stock Tank to use as a Brooder?

[sunflour]

The stock tank I used as a brooder has been outdoors for 4 years - it was only used for raising chicks and was stored under a lean to behind my shed - but has been subject to some rain water and whatever falling in it. I want to try to reuse it this spring again, but want to clean it to make sure it is a healthy environment for those baby chicks.

Does anyone have a suggestion on what to use to clean it that would be safe?

Or should I just get a new one?

 

[sunflour]

I found an older thread on the same issue and folks recommended bleach - I'm not sure that's chicken safe.

But maybe a diluted spray, scrub and then power wash and sun dry?

 

[lazy gardener]

Bleach degrades into a harmless salt. Use a mild solution, rinse well, and let it air dry, preferably in the sun. Beware, that bleach is toxic to the soil organisms. I have a place in my yard where I dumped a strong bleach solution 3 years ago, and it is still dead. Hard packed and nothing will grow there. I'm composting on top of that spot now, hoping to infuse some life back into it.

 

[sunflour]

Bleach degrades into a harmless salt. Use a mild solution, rinse well, and let it air dry, preferably in the sun. Beware, that bleach is toxic to the soil organisms. I have a place in my yard where I dumped a strong bleach solution 3 years ago, and it is still dead. Hard packed and nothing will grow there. I'm composting on top of that spot now, hoping to infuse some life back into it.

Thanks for your response and info. I do have a place it cannot hurt.

 

[Howard E]

I doubt you need to do anything with it. Hose it out maybe? Then leave it out in the sun to dry it out, throw in some litter and off you go.

I have one out back that came with the place. It is rusted out with holes in the bottom. Not sure why I didn't use that myself?

 

[sunflour]

I doubt you need to do anything with it. Hose it out maybe? Then leave it out in the sun to dry it out, throw in some litter and off you go.

Gee, that's what my DH says

 

[chickens really]

I would also just rinse it out with water and let it dry.......The Chicks will be fine......


Cheers!

 

[Folly's place]

You can scrub it out with a disinfectant, or use bleach, or not. At least a good rinse with the hose, dry in the sun, and use it. Mary

 

[aart]

Bleach degrades into a harmless salt. Use a mild solution, rinse well, and let it air dry, preferably in the sun. Beware, that bleach is toxic to the soil organisms. I have a place in my yard where I dumped a strong bleach solution 3 years ago, and it is still dead. Hard packed and nothing will grow there. I'm composting on top of that spot now, hoping to infuse some life back into it.

Organic matter changes the bleach pretty quick thru oxidation, why you can't disinfect soil with bleach.
Maybe the remaining salts that are toxic to any further growth?

I doubt you need to do anything with it. Hose it out maybe? Then leave it out in the sun to dry it out, throw in some litter and off you go.

I have one out back that came with the place. It is rusted out with holes in the bottom. Not sure why I didn't use that myself?

Ditto Dat^^^
No need for any disinfectant unless maybe prior chicks were diseased.

 

[cscigu]

That (old stock tank) is exactly what I've used for years. Works great for me. I simply spray it with some 409 type cleaner, hose it out, and let it dry in the sun. I cover the bottom in straw, which makes for semi-easy cleanup.

I generally keep some welded-wire across the top, and keep it in the barn with a light bulb. The wire with a couple boards to hold it down are a good idea when snakes are out. Obviously, the cold would be the thing to monitor right now. I usually do chicks in warmer weather.