Watering

[Jay1105]

I have a auto waterer set up with nipples. I have an insulated igloo 5 gal. water gug set up with a 1/2 " plastic tube going to PVC that has the nipples screwed into it. I keep switching out frozen water bottels to keep the water cool since its been around 100 degrees for some time now in south Texas. When I switch out the frozen bottles I smell kind of an odor to the water, kind of hard to describe the oder. They go through the water in about 5 days. My question is, is this too long before switching to fresh water? also has anyone ever introduced say a cap full of bleach per 5 gallons of water to cut down on water born bacteria/parasites? Would this harm the chickens? When I do switch out their water I clean the jug with bleach and then rinse it out.

Thanks in advance for any advise!

 

[Honeysucklefeathers]

I put a capful of white vinegar to the gallon in mine. No odors and helps keep the bacteria down. Don't know about bleach.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

Bleach is considered "safe" by the FDA, which is why people consume gallons of it yearly by eating McDonald fries and such. I prefer to use apple cider vinegar since it is at least something you find in the kitchen and not the garage. It will do just as good and a healthier choice.

 

[kannna]

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

 

[Imp]

Bleach is used in water for both disease prevention & treatment.

From a very knowledgable BYCer.

2 cups household bleach in a gallon container, fill with water. This is the solution. If kept sealed will not dissipate.

Use 1 Tbsp solution per gallon as preventative
Use 2 Tbsp solution per gallon if birds are sick

refresh daily

Imp​