Galvanized farm-grade waterers and brown crap

[45ishChickenMom]

Hi there,
I have a mason jar/galvanized waterer base set up for my four chickens. Why does the base turn brown? Rust? How do I get rid of that? I've been using this set up for about a month and change the water twice a day. Ideas? I try to wipe it out.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I use a scrub brush and bleach (10% solution) out my waterers when they start to get icky. This works great for me and I have the same waterer you do for baby chicks. It also works to clean my 5 gallon galvanized waterers for the adults.

I quadruple rinse them afterwards.

 

[45ishChickenMom]

Good to know. I also have a galvanized hanging waterer, but that hasn't gotten "mucky" yet. Thanks again, ChickensAreSweet!!!

 

[Cindy in PA]

I find that any present day galvanized waterer doesn't last worth a hoot! I had one 22 years ago that lasted for years, but any of the made in China ones today have rusted through in a year.

 

[Sutremaine]

I use a scrub brush and bleach (10% solution) out my waterers when they start to get icky. This works great for me and I have the same waterer you do for baby chicks. It also works to clean my 5 gallon galvanized waterers for the adults.

I quadruple rinse them afterwards.

Is that necessary? The no-rinse stuff used on human baby bottles is 1% sodium hypochlorite (active bleach ingredient) and 16.5% sodium chloride (table salt).

Are you using undiluted bleach that's 10% strength, or putting one part of bleach with nine parts water?

 

[45ishChickenMom]

I plan to get a new waterer when the cold sets in. Not sure what, but I see there is at least one waterer thread out there. I like to use vinegar when I clean. In fact I still throw in a tsp of raw apple cider vinegar with each quart of water (from when they were babes, to prevent pasty butt). They are 9 weeks old today.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I plan to get a new waterer when the cold sets in. Not sure what, but I see there is at least one waterer thread out there. I like to use vinegar when I clean. In fact I still throw in a tsp of raw apple cider vinegar with each quart of water (from when they were babes, to prevent pasty butt). They are 9 weeks old today.

Vinegar will ruin galvanized water fountains. Use plastic if adding vinegar.

 

[45ishChickenMom]

Thank YOU, Egghead_Jr. I didn't know that. I do have some plastic bases too.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote: One part bleach with nine parts water but do rinse very well if you do this.