Metal watering can??

[Sheof3Angels]

When we adopted our chickens from a friend they gave us EVERYTHING they had for the chickens including a metal watering can that should automatically fill. Of course our little turds kick dirt and feed into the "lip" of the waterer and things get clogged up. My question is.... Is it typical for this type of watering system to turn the water black and have an oily film on it after about 2-3 days? Some possible important information to help answer my question - We live in Mesa, Az (hot), our water is pretty hard, watering can is kept in the shade all day and is raised off the ground by pavers. Any helpful information would be greatly appreciated. TIA

 

[Judy]

I have no idea why your water is turning black or getting an oily film. I think I would probably replace it, myself. You can get a white plastic waterer from most feed stores for not a lot of money. Of course it should be refilled every day. I would ordinarily suggest adding a Tbsp of organic apple cider vinegar to each gallon, as it helps slow algae growth, and is a probiotic for the chickens, but it should not be added to metal waterers, only plastic.

You may not have the watering can high enough. The bottom of the water tray portion, that they drink from, can be at the same height as their back. Mine still kick a little stuff into the water, but it's not much at this height.

 

[Rich386]

If you have sulfur in the water it will turn black and if there is a lot of tannin in the water you will get an oil film on it. Does your water smell like rotten eggs if it does that is sulfur. Tannin will show up as a discoloration in the water. Hope this helps.

 

[Sheof3Angels]

It does not smell like rotten eggs. Thank God!! Ewww, out in that Az heat. I have had to scrub this black (paint looking) stuff out of the dish (where the chickens drink from) and around the bottom of the "lid" where it meets up with the dish. The black stuff is also kinda greasy to the touch and leaves a black stain on your fingers, like soot from a fire place. IDK, I just worry about the chickens actually drinking that water. Hmmm... I have been thinking about replacing the watering can with a plastic one or just face the fact that this watering can is going to have be cleaned/scrubbed every other day.

 

[Rich386]

I can't think of anything else it could be. I would give it one more good scrub with detergent. After getting it clean wash with vinegar and then see what happens. If that doesn't do it here is a suggestion.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Another thing, you can never put ACV in a metal water can. It will eat it up.
Try placing the water up on bricks so the lip is about back high. They'll still kick crap into it but it helps.
I love this kind of auto water cup, very easy to clean.

 

[Sheof3Angels]

Thanks sooo much BYC peeps. I have quite a few chicken projects up my sleeve this weekend. I love all the ideas for the watering can. With living in Az anything plastic outside tends to dry rot pretty fast. May have to try cleaning it really good or think of something else. All your input is valuable.

 

[conniemo]

Please let me know what you found out, I get that too! I have healthy well water, but my metal can gets this black oily paint like substance on it. I haven't found a good plastic one, as they get very algea-y, plus I need to put it on a heater in the cold Wisconsin winters. any suggestions?
Thanks for your help!
Connie

 

[ChickenCanoe]

ACV helps with the slime. I still disinfect thoroughly a couple times a week. Keeping them out of the sun limits algae.

 

[conniemo]

Did you find out what caused the black slime? I know exactly what you are talking about, it is NOT a form of algea, so the ACV doesn't work. I would love to hear what others have done!