Copper pipe in water bottle

[VeronaSarah]

I am new to this site. My niece who raises chickens recommended you as "chickperts!" I have guinea pigs. They have water bottles that get very slimy with bacteria. They have indoor and outdoor cages. The outdoor bottle gets a little sun and some algae too. A local chicken owner told me to put a small piece of copper pipe in the bottles. It seems to do the trick. As we drink water from copper pipes, he feels this is safe. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts? Thanks, Sarah

 

[WeBeCluckin]

Hi Sarah, no expert here but I know many keepers swear by adding a bit of apple cider vinegar to the water as an antibacterial/algae preventative. Apparently it's a good tonic for people too so can't think it would hurt guinea pigs. Not sure on the amount to add but you can try a site search and see what some recommend. I've never heard of putting a copper pipe in water...interesting!

 

[Chicken 3033]

Apple cider vinegar really works! Tried it once and now I just add a bit to the chicken's water, haven't had a problem since! Probably will work for guineas waterer to.

 

[jaseyboy1986]

I use apple cider vinegar too in my chickens water. I use just a small amount, perhaps 25ml in 2L of water twice a week. It seems to do the job, the water dispenser is free from any visible algae and it's a good tonic for the chickens and also helps fight mites etc. (I believe). I always try to keep on top of cleaning the dispensers by giving them a thorough clean when we refil it.

 

[Kadoka83]

I have heard that you can put a piece of copper pipe in the water container as well and have been trying to see if it’s true. I do know that copper will prevent the growth of algae but I read a warning that to much can be harmful.

I use apple cider vinegar in my chickens water but have not had as much success with that keeping algae or slimy film from developing.

if anyone has an answer about the copper pipe, as was originally asked, I’d also love to know.