Cleaning your chicks’ water founts is something that should be done often. Doing so helps keep clean and sanitary water for your chicks to drink which in turn keeps them healthy and helps prevent illnesses.
Step 1: Decide where you’re going to clean your water founts
You probably didn’t expect step 1 to be deciding where the deed’s going to happen did you? But this is also an important step. While you could just clean your chick fount in your kitchen sink, you should think about whether or not that’s the ideal location to do so.
Keep in mind that your chicks waterers will probably have a build up of some substrate, poo, and other matter on it. Do you really want that going in your kitchen sink? A utility sink or even an outside hose might be the better place to be washing out your chicks water.
This isn’t to say that you can’t use your kitchen sink, but if you do, I recommend taking some extra steps to make sure bedding’s not going to clog up your sink and that you sanitize everything around your sink afterwards.
Step 2: Gather cleaning supplies
After deciding where you’re going to clean your water fount, gather up all of the supplies you’ll need. You’ll want a mild detergent (I like using Dawn soap with the original scent since it’s animal-safe and the smell doesn’t linger after being rinsed), a sponge or soft-bristled scrubber such as a bottle brush, and water. You may also want to use a bucket if you’re doing this outside.
I also highly recommend using separate cleaning supplies from what you use daily. Don’t go using the same scrub brush you use on your dishes on a chick-poo-ridden fount and then go back to using it on dishes (please). Having a small separate travel-sized soap etc. is also handy.
Step 3: Empty old water
Unscrew and empty out the older water in the fount somewhere outside where you don’t mind a bit of pine shavings and chick poo going. I’ll usually empty it out in a corner of my garden or even into my chicken compost pile. Try to dispose of it an an area away from where other animals roam as well as your house otherwise you could have unwanted spread of bacteria.
Step 4: Disassemble water fount & inspect
Disassemble the water fount and check for any worn, damaged, or cracked areas. Often these founts are made from cheap plastic and can crack over time and no one wants a leaky fount.
Step 5: Rinse out debris
Rinse off the fount parts to get out any pieces of substrate, feathers, or chick poo that may be stuck.
Step 6: Scrub with soap or detergent
The next step is to add some soap to the fount parts and scrub them well. If the fount parts are made of plastic, I recommend using a softer bristled brush, as stiffer bristles can wear down the integrity of the plastic parts after a while.
Make sure to get rid of any algae or funk that may be hiding in crevices.
If the crud is really stuck on, you may want to let the fount parts soak in hot soapy water for a while and then try scrubbing again. If there are any small crevices where your sponge or brush can’t reach, try using something like a Q-tip to get in small areas.
Step 7: Rinse out soap
Do a good final rinse of the water fount and make sure there’s no soap residue left.
Step 8: Dry (optional)
While you don’t have to completely dry the fount before filling again, sometimes it’s better to dry it off as best you can and then let it air dry the rest of the way before refilling. Doing so helps get rid of all moisture pockets which could promote bacterial growth. If you do plan to dry your fount out before using again, it’s good to have another fount that you can use in the mean time and switch between the two.
Step 9: Reassemble and Refill
Reassemble the fount. Fill the reservoir with fresh, clean water. If you like adding supplements to their water like Apple Cider Vinegar or electrolytes, make sure to add those too. Place the fount back in the pen or brooder where the chicks can easily access it. Double check and make sure that it’s not leaking anywhere.
Step 10: Regular maintenance
While the water itself should be cleaned out and refilled once or twice a day, you don’t have to fully take apart and clean & sanitize water founts daily. Ideally, you’ll want to sanitize the chick water fount at least once a week or more frequently if needed. Monitor the water quality daily and clean as necessary to ensure a constant supply of clean, fresh water for your chicks.
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By following these steps and maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, you can ensure that your chick water fount remains clean and hygienic, promoting the health and well-being of your young flock.
