Well water.

[Mybackyardpeepers]

So our house was built in 1964, we were told the well was not drilled deep enough for nice crystal clear water. My question is, is it ok to use this water for my chicks? We have had it tested and is told it's safe to use, but it has smelled, turns everything rust color and has left white residue on my clothes. I currently use a Britta pitcher but it's not sufficient to keep up with their water intake. Thanks for any opinions!

 

[TheRealWitwiki]

Hi I have an old house as well. Much older though built in 1865. Our well looks fairly new though and like yours it's not very deep. When we purchased the house the inspection report for the drinking water came back positive for two different types of bacteria. So we shocked the well. You can buy chlorinated tablets from a local plumbing supply store and do it yourself or hire a professional. That may get rid of some of the smell, but you could possibly need to install a water softener. As for the iron you need a mechanical filter such as an inline whole house filter. They sell them at Home Depot and Lowe's. If your test came back that it's safe to drink your chickens are fine. We don't drink our water, but all of our animals do and they are healthy. Hope that helps a little

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Hi I have an old house as well. Much older though built in 1865. Our well looks fairly new though and like yours it's not very deep. When we purchased the house the inspection report for the drinking water came back positive for two different types of bacteria. So we shocked the well. You can buy chlorinated tablets from a local plumbing supply store and do it yourself or hire a professional. That may get rid of some of the smell, but you could possibly need to install a water softener. As for the iron you need a mechanical filter such as an inline whole house filter. They sell them at Home Depot and Lowe's. If your test came back that it's safe to drink your chickens are fine. We don't drink our water, but all of our animals do and they are healthy. Hope that helps a little

We installed a softner and the settlement shuts the turbines down all the time. We had a large carbon fiber installed on the line going into the softner as well as a smaller filter after. When we purchased the house the well was tore apart and shocked excessively. We have used it for cookie and the dog, I'm just a paranoid about the baby chicks getting to many minerals, etc.

 

[TheRealWitwiki]

We installed a softner and the settlement shuts the turbines down all the time. We had a large carbon fiber installed on the line going into the softner as well as a smaller filter after. When we purchased the house the well was tore apart and shocked excessively. We have used it for cookie and the dog, I'm just a paranoid about the baby chicks getting to many minerals, etc.

 

[TheRealWitwiki]

Sounds like you have done all you can. If you are still worried about the chicks I would suggest buying water by the case at Walmart it's pretty cheap and keep them on that for a few weeks until your comfortable to switch them to well water. Unless you have a ton of chicks that wouldn't be reasonable. You may have to get it by the barrel if you have more than a dozen chicks lol

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Sounds like you have done all you can. If you are still worried about the chicks I would suggest buying water by the case at Walmart it's pretty cheap and keep them on that for a few weeks until your comfortable to switch them to well water. Unless you have a ton of chicks that wouldn't be reasonable. You may have to get it by the barrel if you have more than a dozen chicks lol

I actually take jugs to work and fill, everyone knows why lol.