Keeping water clean

[tralfaz]

I use a 5 gallon nipple waterer for 6 chickens and refill from rainwater diverted from the roof. With summer coming along, and warmer temps there's added risk for microbes and bacteria to grow in the water. Should I change to daily water system instead?

 

[sourland]

I would.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I would, just to be safe.

 

[blackdog043]

I would see what happens with the rain water first. You could always just fill the waterer up, not using the rain water.

I don't use rain water, but I use 14 gallon drums with HZ nipples and only rinse them out 2 - 3 times a year. I don't have any problems with stuff growing inside the drums. The drums are blue and in the shade. If your waterers are in the sun, you could get algae in them. If that's the case, just put a couple copper fittings inside the waterer or move them to shade or make a cover to shade them.

 

[Mtnboomer]

I use water straight from the rain barrel into a bowl cut from the bottom of a 5gal bucket. It has to be refilled daily but dust, dirt, leaves, algea, etc are usually in it. I just rub the inside with my hand when it needs it, dump it, and refill. I haven't heard them complain yet.

 

[wamtazlady]

To keep algae from growing get some old copper pennies (the newer ones don't contain enough copper) or go to the hardware store and get something that is copper. Copper retards the growth of algae.

 

[Happy hen lover]

You can also use all copper scratches( like the stainless ones)
I have a trash can waterer with HZ nipples but since it's hot I also have cold water in a small one with ACV or electrolyte powder in them I fill daily to make sure they stay hydrated.

 

[PhyllisMinnie]

Adding apple cider vinegar also helps keep the algae down and is really good for them.