is this water-er safe?

[peepy_peep]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to chicken raising, and I just wanted to check if this water dispenser is safe for my chickens. We inherited an awesome chicken coop when we moved into our new house, so I decided to get some chicks. They're still in the brooder now, but I want the coop to be all ready for them when they're old enough. This water-er was in the adjoining shed, and I want to use it, but it looks a little rusty.

See how there's a dirty-looking ring inside where the water goes? I scrubbed the whole thing with soap and a stiff brush (after I took this picture), but it's still there. It's not flaking off rust, but it doesn't look brand-new (obviously) so I thought I'd ask here if it could hurt them. Right now they're drinking out of a plastic bowl.

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I have one that has a bit of old rust look to it but they drink out of it. They prefer the plastic drinker they also have in with them but I keep them both full.
Mine shows no signs of rust flaking off either and I scrub it well each time I have to refill it, which at this time is everyday.
I think it is okay if you have scrubbed it well enough. We have well water and decent winters so I have started buying only plastic.
Probably won't hurt them, imo.

 

[mmajw]

Looks ok to me

 

[keljonma]

If you are planning on putting apple cider vinegar in the water, don't use the metal waterer, use plastic. I've heard you shouldn't use metal waterers if you are giving the flock vitamins/electrolyte solution also.

 

[Dar]

i dont mean to go off topic here but why would you put apple cider vinegar in the water?

 

[keljonma]

Lots of reasons - and you can find tons of info here on BYC by doing a search

 

[ashyannehand]

I have one just like it! No worries mate.