Rain barrel- How can I keep the water clean?

[animal nut]

I have been using a rain barrel to collect water for my chickens. What can I put in the barrel to avoid a mosquitos problem? Bleach, vinager or other suggestions?

 

[anthonyjames]

You should have a screen before your water enters your barrells to stop any roof run off like shingle pieces, sticks, leaves, etc..

Mosquitoes won't get in there. I have 15 barrels around my house and never had an issue. I am in WI were there can pick you up and carry you away.

But I don't think I would use that water to water my birds because of the run off and dirt and any other thing you can't see.

Garden only

 

[animal nut]

Really, I thought I could use this for the birds and I have been using it for about 2 or 3 weeks now.

 

[cjexotic]

I have done it for about 8 yrs now. I do put ACV in my water.. so the drum stays clean the bugs don't like it and its a good sanitzer and healthy for the birds.

 

[animal nut]

Glad to hear that you are using your rain water. It makes it so much easier to water next to the coop instead of hauling the water 100 yards. I will use the ACV.

 

[cjexotic]

mine runs off the top of the coop that is covered with a tarp so right into the drum it goes. I too would have to haul it a long ways if it was not for the rain barrels.

 

[anthonyjames]

What is the ACV you are referring to? I don't recall seeing or hearing of that acronym before.

 

[cjexotic]

apple cider vinegar (ACV) I use the one with the pulp or whatever its called in it. The natural stuff.

 

[Dragonfly Ranch]

Quote:
Thank you for asking - I was going to ask the something.

 

[MandyH]

The apple cider vinegar that you are wanting is in the organic section of the grocery store. It has the "mother" in it. That's the good stuff that is lost when regular vinegar is pasturized and all. You can also put goldfish in your barrell to keep the water clean.