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?
Mine have been on soft water with no I'll effects. We also have what I call "chewable" water with lots of iron. I feel bad for not wondering about it too. My lil ones are six weeks and one week without any problems.
We're on a well with really lovely orange-tinged water, unless it goes through the water softner first! I do have a sink with plain well water (the 'slop' sink in the basement). So I've been alternating between the two sources (not intentionally - just so happened that way). I agree, the iron would cause more problems than the salts. If you're concerned, you could get a water filter (like a Brita faucet thingie) on the faucet and use it that way.
