Lots of books all discuss sterilising water and food containers. I have a pond in one of my runs because the previous owners of our house had ducks. So, is it OK for them to drink the stagnant water which is full of larve and bugs.
My pond is also stagnant, full of bacteria and algae. I won't let any of my animals drink that water. We use it to water the lawns. Found this from Beefmagazine.com "Stagnant pond water consumed during hot, dry weather can be dangerous to livestock, reminds Charles Stoltenow, North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian. "The water can contain certain species of cyanobacteria (formerly known as blue-green algae) that typically grows in stagnant, warm pond water." At least four types of potentially poisonous cyanobacteria are known to occur. Toxins from these bacteria are poisonous to most livestock, including cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, domestic and wild ducks, pigeons, geese, and even frogs, fish, and snakes. The toxins primarily affect the nervous system and the liver. Signs of cyanobacterial poisoning include nervous derangement, staggering, tremors, and severe abdominal pain. The toxins are also poisonous to humans. Take note of any dead wildlife around bodies of water, Stoltenow advises. A close watch for unexplained livestock deaths is also important. Consult a veterinarian to find a cause of death so steps can be taken to prevent additional livestock deaths. There are no known antidotes for cyanobacteria poisoning. The algae flourish only in the top few inches of water, so toxic concentrations are typically found only in small ponds where waves don't mix the water thoroughly. Cyanobacteria blooms don't occur in lakes and rivers. Under favorable conditions, the algae can double in number in 24 hours and can turn pond water blue to brownish green. If a pond contains toxic concentrations, keep animals from drinking from it by fencing off the water and providing another source of water. Because the toxins are concentrated at the surface, water may be pumped from the bottom of deep sloughs or potholes to watering tanks".
I've always been a little concerned about the people who sterilize their livestock's dishes but not their own. Be that as it may, my rule of thumb is that puddles are bad, ponds are okay, and streams are ideal as sources of water. I admit that the distinction between a puddle and a pond is somewhat arbitrary, but if the chickens' contribution to the pond ecosystem isn't enough to change it much, it's fully outside the "puddle" category. Robert
