Red algea?

[CalebtheChicken]

in my waterers some kind of red goop is sticking/growing on the bottoms of the pint jars, the chickens don't seem to care and I'm not really worried.
I just want to know what it is.

 

[mgw]

I dont know what it is either but am anxious to find out. have you been putting vitamins or meds in the water?

 

[CalebtheChicken]

no, my dad said it's just sulfer from the water... but I don't think that's it.

 

[Godsgrl]

I get red algae in my bird bath, it could be the same thing. I'm not sure how to prevent it, just keep the waterers washed.

 

[poultryhaven]

I get it too. I use a baby bottle brush and it takes care of it

 

[CalebtheChicken]

Thanks everyone for the input!

 

[Akane]

Red or bluish is potentially bad. Toxic forms of algae are that color but not all red or blue-green algae will be toxic. Green and brown are harmless. If they are plastic waters sometimes adding vinegar (usually apple cider vinegar for the health benefits) can help prevent it. However that doesn't work with really alkaline water because it neutralizes the acidic vinegar.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

There's also an orange bacteria that likes to grow in water, that can coat containers. I keep a plastic scrub brush handy, for when I refill water. It keeps things from building up. I know my husband is the type to just rinse and refill. Then you have a slime coating left in the bowls and waterers. The dogs and birds like it when I give clean water, because it comes in a clean container.

 

[CalebtheChicken]

Quote:
The goops been in the water since the chicks were 1 week old, they are now 14 weeks old and I haven't lost any... must be the none toxic kind!

Lucky me!

 

[al6517]

When you start to get any color algae growth you need to clean them well with Bleach which kills the algae, then place the waterers in the shade, I have this large tub near my hydrant and it stays full with a dilluted mix of bleach and water. when doing daily chores I just swish them in it and fill back up with water, it keeps them fresh and clean yr round.

AL