Rust in Chicken Waterer

[danielle2003]

Hello there, I bought a galvanized chicken waterer from Tractor Supply, and it has lasted me about a year. Then I noticed that the metal coating is wearing off, and its rusting. It doesn't affect the color or the smell of the water. Will the rust hurt them, and can the chickens still drink from it? Or is it time I buy a new one? Any information would be great! Thanks!

 

[WonkierZulu]

If you're adding avc or anything acidic that will cause that. Otherwise if it's just doing that after one year without adding anything acidic probably toss it imo

 

[danielle2003]

If you're adding avc or anything acidic that will cause that. Otherwise if it's just doing that after one year without adding anything acidic probably toss it imo

Thank you! I have never added anything acidic to it. I'll go ahead and buy a new one. Next stop......Tractor Supply!

 

[WonkierZulu]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/rusty-waterer-okay.104617/

 

[Aapomp831]

Get the rubber bowls instead - all you have to do is hose them out and let them bake in the sun for a few hours to dry and sanitize.

 

[3KillerBs]

I switched to plastic waterers because the naturally acidic water in my area was eating the galvanized one.

 

[danielle2003]

Get the rubber bowls instead - all you have to do is hose them out and let them bake in the sun for a few hours to dry and sanitize.

Thank you, that sounds a lot easier than a galvanized waterer. How long will rubber bowls last?

 

[Aapomp831]

Thank you, that sounds a lot easier than a galvanized waterer. How long will rubber bowls last?

Years... they are very thick and sturdy so the chickens can’t knock them over. I get them at tractor supply in the goat section

 

[danielle2003]

O

Years... they are very thick and sturdy so the chickens can’t knock them over. I get them at tractor supply in the goat section

Okay, great! Thank you so much! It definitely sounds like the much better option!

 

[blackdog043]

Horizontal nipples make a great waterer, in any container you want to use. I use 14 gallon drums
.