Larger watering system cleanliness?

[Quailwhatdoyaknow]

So I’m getting ready to move my quail chicks into their permanent home in a few weeks and I’m coming up with plans to build a watering system that allows me to fill it from the outside. If you use something that holds 2-5 gallons, should you add a drop of bleach to the water to make sure no mold, or organisms live in the water? Or possibly drop some drops of apple cider vinegar? I know they will not drink that many gallons every couple days so I don’t want water to be too stagnant for too long and have that chance. Or do you think as long as I top it off every couple days, that will be enough.

 

[CabritaChicks]

You can add a small amount of bleach to your quail’s water for disinfection purposes, however I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT. It must be done carefully to avoid harming them. Here’s what you need to know:

• Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is a powerful disinfectant that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• It helps keep drinking water safe, especially in warm climates where bacteria can grow quickly.
• It's commonly used in poultry farms to sanitize water system (but that doesnt make it right).

However I digress because it can do more harm than good.

• Too much bleach can be toxic, causing irritation to the digestive tract and respiratory issues.
• Bleach on the skin can also be irritating, and it can actually damage the feather structure- limiting the ability ro control body temperature. Furthermore during preening- the bird ingests even more-
• If improperly diluted, it can affect beneficial gut bacteria and overall health (this is true almost all the time).
• Bleach reacts with organic matter in water, forming harmful byproducts if the water isn't clean to start with.

Safety first (but I dont like it)​

• Use regular, unscented household bleach (5-6% sodium hypochlorite).
• Dosage: 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of bleach per 5 gallons (19 liters) of water.
• Mix well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before offering it to your quail.
• Do not add bleach to medicated or vitamin-enriched water, as it may react with the additives.

Alternatives​

• If you're concerned about bleach, consider apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon per gallon) as a natural antibacterial option.
• Commercial poultry-safe water sanitizers are also available.

I would use an alternative over anything else- but the best bet is to see if you can find a splitter for your garden hose, and a very small self-filling container (those that have a float) and ensure you scrub it out regularly. IMO water is where the dangers are- but bleach is dangerous. In clinic birds would come in often because of such cases- and there is no fixing the liver once it reaches a certain stage- and toxicity levels from even the mundane have drastic consequences with the bodies inability to clean their system.

 

[CabritaChicks]

I will add: the goal is to strengthen your bird's natural immune system, not hinder its ability to function effectively.

 

[Quailwhatdoyaknow]

I will add: the goal is to strengthen your bird's natural immune system, not hinder its ability to function effectively.

Thank you for the info! I think if I add anything, I’ll do some apple cider vinegar