How to prevent algae build-up in nipple waterer?? Help!

[sydney13]

If there isn't metal in the waterer i would think adding some vinegar would help with algea and the very least it's healthy for the chicken's

 

[Beekissed]

I agree with the dark color to avoid algae....and use ACV in your water. Good for the chooks and bad for algae.

 

[t/m]

How much apple cider vinegar per how much water?
What else is ACV good for? ...regarding chickens of course!
Thank you!

 

[Beekissed]

ACV is a good immunity booster, good source of multivitamins, potassium, etc. It shouldn't affect stainless steel nipples but would corrode galvanized containers. One just has to experiment with the amounts...too much and the animals won't like the taste and won't drink. Too little for the amount of water and it may not prevent algae at all as it would be too dilute.

I always watched water consumption and changed ACV dose accordingly.

Another added benefit of regular use of ACV for chickens? It seems to clarify the eggs and remove the heavy sulfur taste....my clients raved about my eggs after I started using ACV more regularly. Definitely, IMO, makes for a mild flavored egg.

 

[Lark Rise]

Thanks for all your advice. I guess we have to clean the waterers out real well tomorrow and work on getting light out.

I think DH has been adding 1/2 cup ACV per 5 gallons water. This is obviously not working to prevent algae.

 

[mclevinson]

I believe that I read adding apple cider vinegar (unfiltered) 4 tsp per gallon of water keeps the algae away. Haven't had any algae, so haven't tried it. When I do try it I will use strong kombucha instead of vinegar.

 

[NC ChickenKate]

Raised llamas for 25 years in a former life...70+ head along with horses in So. Calif. Had a well and always had abundant algae growth in the automatic waterers until I put some copper scraps in the the lines or waterers. Cut the algae by 9/10ths or more. Have since put copper into any garden fountain, or other outdoor water feature and had the same result. Doesn't take it all away but only having to clean once every two weeks instead of daily is a blessing. I have copper scraps at the bottom of my rain barrel that feeds my automatic waterers (the nipple type) and have been delighted with no visual algae through this entire hot summer.

The amount of ACV I use is a tablespoon per gallon...even the dogs appear to like the taste!

 

[t/m]

Quote:
Thanks for the information and the amounts, it helps to have some idea where to start!
I love this site and the helpful people on it!

 

[VelvettFog]

Quote:
That worked because copper is poisonous to plants, and animals. Try throwing a hand full of pennies into your fish tank -- wait a week and then you can get new fish!!

 

[NC ChickenKate]

re. copper scraps in waterers to keep algae growth down.
I would never put copper into a closed water system for animals... only into a system from which water was being drawn (animals drinking) and was replenished (automatic waterers)...ensuring it was new water all the time. In a typical fish bowl or tank, copper (or any other heavy metal or chemical) would have a chance of poluting the water beyond safe levels. Please also make sure any copper scrap used hasn't been coated with chemicals used to slow the verdigris process or protect the shiny surface.
Copper will not totally stop algae production, just slow it's growth so you will have to clean maybe only once or twice a week instead of daily.
Before raising chickens I had never watered livestock from anything but a well who's potability was tested yearly...no previous city water experience with the chlorine, flouride or other chemicals "added to keep us safe". I have had my city water tested and know its chemical makeup...lots of trace minerals/ metals/ salts may be in your water (city or well) but you don't know unless you test it.