Well Water

[ruthie]

I have to empty and wash the waterers (plastic) every other day because of algae growing in them. I wash them with a weak bleach solution and let them air dry. I would like to only wash them once a week. Is there anything that I could add to the water to discourage algae growing and not hurt the chickens?

 

[SarahFair]

Um. Maybe check to see if they sell something for aquariums?
IDK how safe it would be for chickens...call a specialty fish store and ask

 

[espressola]

Might Apple Cider Vinegar help with this? I can't use it since I use the galvanized water dispensers, but I think I remember this was one of the benefits?
Patty N. ;-)

 

[Novice in New York]

Making sure the water is not in direct sunlight could reduce the speed in which the algae grows.

 

[patandchickens]

If you are seriously bleaching the waterers, and they are clean (not lots of bedding/poo kicked in), and meaningful algae is still growing back within a day or two, you oughta get your well water tested for nitrates/nitrites. There may be levels high enough that you should know about from a human-health perspective, especially for pregnant women or babies, or young animals of any species.

Otherwise, bleach the waterers once *hard and thorough*, and thereafter set them up on blocks high enough that crud doesn't get kicked into them (hardly at all

) and put them somewhere dim rather than in bright sunlight, and you should be in much better shape.

Good luck,

Pat

 

[ruthie]

I have the waterers up on cinder blocks and 1 hangs in the coop. I will make sure they are in the shade and try the ACV. Yes we do have high levels of nitrates in our water, we don't drink or cook with it, until that issue is resolved. Thanks for the ideas.

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Well, that's your problem there then. All that fertilizer (basically -- not passing judgement on where the N came from, just saying, it's the usual limiting-nutrient for algal growth) is just GOING to fuel explosive growth of algae.

You could try a bit of bleach or vinegar in the water, but it would really be better if you could find a better water source for the animals, they can be affected adversely by the nitrates just like people can.

Good luck,

Pat

 

[jaku]

Apple Cider Vinegar is THE answer. Not only will it completely get rid of your algae, but it's also good for your birds digestive system. Scrub them clean with soap, rinse, and fill with water/vinegar. I just dump a little in- no need to measure. I think a few tablespoons per gallon is pretty standard though.

 

[SimplyForties]

The measurement I've read and have been using is 1 teaspoon per quart so 4 teaspoons per gallon. Hope it works for you!

 

[mouton]

You can use a half teaspoonful of bleach(Chlorox) of whatever
household brand you have handy but plain without the pine scents
etc. Put half teaspoonful per gallon of water and the waterers will stay fresh. I have used a whole teaspoonful with no obvious ill effect. I use it all the time and have for several years(More like 20)
However, I have used vinegar too. Don't know which I like best but
if vinegar acidifies the gut that is probably to best way to go. imo