How Clean the Water?

[panner123]

Now I am all for fresh water for all my critters, but my chickens haven't used the water I give them since it started raining here. There is a small creek that runs though the chicken yard in it rains. If there is water in that creek they won't touch the water containers.

 

[TNBarnQueen]

Quote:
Is there a way you can run a "side" line out from the main one at a point before it goes into the softner. If you put a spigot on it then you would not be using the water thru the softner. That is what we did. I would have your health department do a test on it to see what minerals you have in your water. We are eat up with lime and 5 years ago a sulfur spring broke thru during a drought. The sulfur is not bad unless we go without rain for a long time. We kept the well water run into the barn and outside the house. Bad thing is out "city" water has as much lime in it as the well water did. Check with your extension agent as well...they may have other test or ideas for you. Hope this helps!

 

[AndreaS]

Quote:
Is there a way you can run a "side" line out from the main one at a point before it goes into the softner. If you put a spigot on it then you would not be using the water thru the softner. That is what we did. I would have your health department do a test on it to see what minerals you have in your water. We are eat up with lime and 5 years ago a sulfur spring broke thru during a drought. The sulfur is not bad unless we go without rain for a long time. We kept the well water run into the barn and outside the house. Bad thing is out "city" water has as much lime in it as the well water did. Check with your extension agent as well...they may have other test or ideas for you. Hope this helps!

Thank you! We can run a spigot out before it goes into the softener. That is probably what we will do. And I really do need to get our water tested before we move. Good suggestion.

 

[4nematode]

I had my outside hose spigot connect so it bypasses the water softener...just my well water comes out of there.

Rain barrels are a big point of discussion in organic gardening...the consensus is that rain coming off an asphalt roof is not okay for food sources (animal or vegetable) because of the tar and associated nasty chemicals that leach from shingles. Asphalt run-off should be used for non-edibles only. I collect rain from my green house roof for edibles, but still give the chickens fresh water every day. So easy.

It's so easy to do the best thing for your critters.

This thread reminds me of someone who feeds her dogs old, stale, spoiled food she collects from others. My response? I love my dogs (and chickens) more than that...

Diana

 

[The Tinman]

The vinagar will not be good for the plants. You can add the acv after you take the water out of the barrel.
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[isabrownmom]

Not two seconds after I give my hens fresh, clean water will they turn their collective beaks up at it and drink from the disgusting mud puddles instead! They haven't fallen over dead from it so who am I to argue with their natural stupidity, err "instinct"!