Cleaning feeders and waterers (indoors vs. outdoors)

[msteffa]

Using the water from tubs is virtually the same impact as the sink. I had two waterers in the winter, although we had electricity where they were and kept it reasonable for them. It was more out of our convenience in the cold. We carried a new waterer out in the winter full and mixed with vitamins, electrolytes and anti/pro biotics they don't get during the sub zero winter every day, trading out the one from the day before. Cleaning a sink takes no time.

 

[dirkandlorie]

I bring a clean filled waterer out to the coop every day. I bring an empty, dumped outside waterer inside every day where it is scrubbed inside and out with hot soapy water. I agree it takes no time at all to sterilize sink afterwards. My waterers also sit on concrete blocks where they don't get poo or bedding in them. Might be a different issue if they did.

 

[Al Gerhart]

You have a wise partner there. We used to do bacterial testing on countertops and our go to source of bacteria was to buy a Walmart frozen chicken, let it thaw, and save the juice. An hour out of the fridge and the amount of bacteria would astound you, mostly from the poop that is already in their guts and the feces that contaminated the birds feet and feathers.

Once I was careless and managed to get two huge boils from touching my back and head, scratching a itch I suppose. Talking about boils the size of a quarter in diameter. Horribly painful.

If you have not yet invested in a treadle feeder look for one that has a french cleat. We added this to our feeder a few years ago after it was suggested by a customer and long time BYC poster. You can just raise the feeder up to disengage the cleat for cleaning. But a treadle feeder rarely needs cleaning as the door keeps most of the debris out.

 

[Lilbitsnpieces]

I have many "smaller" flocks due to others dumping on my farm...In winter ALL waterers are emptied at night and ALL food containers put away. I carry out a five gallon bucket from house. With this I fill all waterers. Once a week or before a huge change in temps..went from 80s to 30s in one day...I give electrolytes..I have found due to cold ( 20s ) no algae. When temps warm I spray waterers with white vinegar and rinse before filling. I simply hang the spray bottle on the edge of five gallon bucket for ease of carrying. Note: don't use vinegar on metal or galvanized waters/feeders. In warmer ot hot temps, I go out again àt noon and four pm..to not only freshen water but give cooling treats..I do have a utility sink in laundry room..this is for poultry..it's bleached as well as handles when done using WITHOUT FAIL. Today it's a spa for poopy hen

 

[Silexian]

I keep everything out of my house as much as possible. I have back up water containers. So if one freezes up. Usually caused by a tripped GFCI. I hang another one up. While the other thaws out in the garage. I have freeze proof hydrants close to my coops. So I can wash and refill everything outside, year round.