Author Topic: How best to disinfect old feeders/drinkers? (Read 3174 times)

Justin · « **on:** July 10, 2015, 09:36:31 pm »

Hello, long time lurker on here, now making a start in some basic smallholding. We'll be getting our first chickens in a few weeks and we're getting ourselves set up in preparation. When we bought our current place, left in the barn were a bunch of galvanised drinkers and feeders. They look like they need a good scrub out and clean but I was wondering the best way to disinfect them to make sure they're useable for the chickens when they arrive.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

J.

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2015, 09:51:20 pm »

I'd submerge them in water for 24 hours - this will kill any red mite lurking under the rim of the saucer section and loosen the dirt. Then scrub them out with a nailbrush, stiff toothbrsh or similar and leave them in the sunlight to dry. Don't use anything acidic on the galv.

Justin · « **Reply #2 on:** July 11, 2015, 07:27:50 am »

Thanks very much, I'll give that a try.

Ghdp · « **Reply #3 on:** July 11, 2015, 09:31:27 am »

Timely question! I am just about to do the same.. Thanks Justin!

Kimbo · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2015, 01:43:39 pm »

I agree that a good sweat-inducing scrub with a stiff brush is essential. I then use Milton ( the baby equipment steriliser) on all my chicken stuff then rinse off well.
I dilute the Milton as per the bottle instructions.

Stereo · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2015, 02:16:41 pm »

Agree. Submerge for a day. Clean them up and then if you want, a few kettles of boiling water, maybe with a spray of poultry shield beforehand.

Clarebelle · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2015, 02:39:07 pm »

I'm another Milton user

mentalmilly · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2015, 05:07:05 pm »

I use plastic drinkers with apple cider vinegar in the water, would Milton get rid if the stains caused by the vinegar, they always look as if they need a good scrub. Anyone else got this problem with staining?

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #8 on:** July 11, 2015, 05:55:17 pm »

I gave up on plastic drinkers because the water always looks dirty and the inside goes green with algae within a couple of days in the summer. Pity they don't make them in green, with just a little panel up the side like an electric kettle, so you can see the water level.

Justin · « **Reply #9 on:** July 11, 2015, 07:30:43 pm »

Thanks for all the answers, I'll get some milton as well. They'll need a good soak and scrub as they've sat in a barn for 2-3 years and are a bit caked.

I'm just going over the plan for the run I'm building, watch out for a post on that shortly