sandyhas3chucks Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 having just lost 2 girls together, and one from a nasty bacterial infection, I have been looking for resaons. There may be none however... I have had lots going on in my garden (spring after all) new turf, plants in green house vegie patch, hanging baskets etc. All needing water Now I water from the water butt & I have to say it never crossed my mind that they like to drink the drips puddles etc whatever. BUT.................... Isn't it full of bacteria?????????????? My very sick girl in particular liked this lots and as I was caring for her was in the veggie patch eating whatever she fancied. Did I infact kill her I am now considering being un planet friendly and only using tap water, I am on a meter what about the veggies I grow & let them eat. I read that Kleibseilla was found in comercially grown sprouts in Canada. (scarey) I have tried googling this and feel sure there will be someone out there that knows! I id consider this and only used tap water near them for at least the last 2 possibly 3 weeks , but perhaps this was too little too late? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 Hi Sandy I use water from our water butts too and had been thinking along the same lines I am sure that there would be nothing untoward for them to catch (our cats prefer rain water and they have never had anything wrong with them). However, I think to satisfy my own mind, I will give them tap water. I hope our year improves Regards Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted April 7, 2009 Author Share Posted April 7, 2009 the only thing I can find about water butts IS that there is bacteria, but course none of this relates to chickens drinking it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lydia Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 I think it's very unlikely that the water from the butt harmed your girls. I know you're upset about your girls and it's completely understandable that you're looking for answers - I have has exactly the same thoughts in the past, but really their deaths are not your fault - sometimes it just happens. But what you need to remember is that chickens, by nature are always coming into contact with bacteria. They route about in the soil, eat live and dead things, step in their own poo etc. Plus, mine absolutely love it if hubby is turning over our compost heaps - and think of all the mould and nasties that probably contains. To date, none of this has caused any ill effects. We water with butts and will continue to do so. In addition all the hens drink from puddles and our pond, as do both our cats and our neighbour's cats and the regular garden birds. The hens (and cats) seem to prefer it to the always on offer clean drinking water. Please don't blame yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
