We have well water, but it all goes through a softener because of the large amount of iron it contains. So far I haven't seen any negative effects on the chicks, but am wondering if anyone else has to use soft water. I realize there is a certain amount of salt in it and am not sure if it's enough to hurt them. My dogs drink it all the time, my koi and goldfish swim in it in their pond, and wild birds drink it from the waterfall in the pond with no apparent effects. Looking at it the other way, the high amount of iron that would be in the hard water probably isn't so good for them, either. Any thoughts?