Red Plastic bases on feeders and waterers?

[howfunkyisurchicken]

They make feeders and waterers in just about every color, but mine definately prefer red. At least for their water- they don't seem to care what the feed is in, just that its there. But for chicks last year I had a green, purple and red waterers. They definately used the red one more.

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
OK keep in mind I am a newbie, why would you want to give chickens ACV?
Thanks, Chopaka

You can use any Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar with mother.
Bragg
Spectrum Organic
Omega Nutrition
Dynamic Health
There are other brands out there also just remember you will want Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar mother.

Here is some information on Apple Cider Vinegar.
Apple Cider vinegar is rich in the vitamins, minerals and trace elements found in apples, especially potassium. It will normalize pH levels in the stomach, improve digestion and the assimilation of nutrients.
A few more benefits of Oral Apple Cider Vinegar are:
*Reduces intestinal and fecal odors.
*Aids in digestion.
*Helps to break down minerals and fats.
*Assists the animal to assimilate proteins.
*Assists the animal to convert food better.
*It lowers the pH of the digestive tract which
will make an environment less welcoming
to pathogens therefore will reduce common
infections and increases resistance to disease.
*Improves stamina and fertility.
*It is a great overall tonic that will improve the general well being of the animal.
If started while Birds are young (1-1/2 to 2weeks), birds
*Will feather out quicker.
*Are hardier.
*Grow to their potential sooner when used with an adequate feed.
I find the meat is also leaner due to the fats being converted quicker.

Cautions:
Do not use metal water dishes (except stainless steal).
Vinegar should not be used internally with animals that have an irritated lining of the intestinal tract.


Also I would not use at the same time with a commercial wormer. On some commercial wormer it will have one funky chemical reaction with ACV...
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Unopened, it will keep indefinitely; once opened it will keep about 6 months.

Add 1/8-1/4 of a teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to every 4 fl ozs of water, or 1/8-1/4 cup per gallon of water.

Chris

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
Chickens a naturally attracted to the color Red, If you think that they are not taking to the metal waterers then just as a few drops of Red food coloring to there water after a day or two the will get the idea.

Chris

 

[Chopaka81]

Thank you (all) for the detailed and concise answers. Special thanks to ChrisM.

More details, My wife's elderly aunt and uncle live 2 doors down from my wife and I. They are "80 something" both of which had chickens when they were kids... oh yea that was 70 yrs ago!

Last weekend he bought a small coop at the feed store in Marysville (WA), they were all set to get chicks and we slowed them down a bit. The local temps over night have been dropping to the mid 30's. My DW and I saw where they were headed so we stepped in to help them get started. Last weekend I fab'd a broob box based upon the great help offered here on this web site, got a heat lamp and they are now set up so the chick's won't die on them. Monroe Farm & Feed had three 5 wk old Black Sex Link chick's, he wanted five. We took the three and bought the feeders and a 25lb bag of chick starter feed too.

So my wife and I have been drafted into helping a bit and we are having fun learning about back yard chickens. Being a draftee this is why I am asking my questions

The four of us have a deep commitment to stewardship and providing for these chick's. We have had a lot of questions and we have found this forum (community) to be a great source, all we have to do is be patient and use the search tool. 95+ % of our questions have already been asked and answered here on this forum.

Thank you very much for helping us out. Chopaka

 

[Bard's Rock!]

Quote:

Well said!

 

[nanawendy]

I too have plastic waters... Grayeyes is spot on about that. I have a mixture of feeders... Galvanized are my favorite. Have fun w/ your birdies...

 

[BellevueOmlet]

That is a good idea to add red food coloring, i like it

 

[mariel37]

I don't see a preference from my flock either- I have purple, yellow and red.

 

[Cebarmlds]

Quote:
red food coloring is not good for anyone don't give it to your chicks!

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
red food coloring is not good for anyone don't give it to your chicks!

Do you want to explain?

Chris