Galvenized water feeder suddenly starting to "look" like rusting - what is problem?

[joyfulspirit]

I have a galvenized watering container for our birds, I do add OACV to it each time we refresh water. Is the vinegar interacting with the container and putting forth the Rust color? I have scrubbed it and the rust color comes right off but then comes back . . never did this when we first bought it 2 years ago. Thanks! for input

 

[PD-Riverman]

I have a galvenized watering container for our birds, I do add OACV to it each time we refresh water. Is the vinegar interacting with the container and putting forth the Rust color? I have scrubbed it and the rust color comes right off but then comes back . . never did this when we first bought it 2 years ago. Thanks! for input

I can and all the canning instructions seem to say not to use a metal container when using vinegar---other than SS. I never add it to my chicken water. Your container sounds like the galvanized part has gotten weak or cracked. Why not use plastic, sawed off 5 gal buckets, etc?

 

[joyfulspirit]

I can use plastic in warmer weather but in winter we put it on a heat base thus needing metal. Good points

 

[treefarmer42]

Metal water cans are only good for winter on a heated base otherwise they are a yearly waste of $. Every year I would have to buy a new metal can for my coops costing $30-$40 each. Due to it being poorly made in China, rust and consist "funk" growing and stinking up the inside. Besides Winter time use only good thing about a metal watering can is they make fun targets for a shotgun. If your can lasted 2 years and you did not have to scrub it clean every refill then you have been lucky. My most hated part of a coop.

 

[Cindy in PA]

24 years ago when I started with chickens, my galvanized water containers would last for several years. A few years ago I bought a Harris Farms one from TSC after using plastic on my heater for several years & it was gone in a year. Just last year I purchased one made by Miller Mfg. that is much better quality. It looks good so far after going through the winter. We will see how long it lasts.