How to Keep Algae From Forming in a Chicken Feeder

Algae grow easily in moist and sunny environments. Often the algae are harmless, but not always. Some algae can produce toxins harmful to animals such as chickens. Also, if you have algae growing in your chicken feeders, then the feeder is also probably growing harmful bacteria and yeast. Since algae grows slowly, it is an indication that the chickens are not being given fresh food and water, which is the foundation of keeping your chickens healthy according to Sue Weaver, author of "Chickens: Tending a Small-scale flock for Pleasure and Profit." Keeping the feeder clean and food fresh will help keep your chickens healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Dish soap
  • Sponge
  • Water
  • Towel
  • Chicken food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash the feeder daily with dish soap and water. Rinse and dry the feeder with a towel thoroughly before filling the feeder. This will kill and remove the algae and prevent algal growth by keeping it dry. By washing the feeder daily, you should not have any algal growth.

    • 2

      Fill the feeder with fresh food daily. Remove old food and throw it away.

    • 3

      Place waters at least 2 feet from feeders. Then the water is less likely to splash into the feeder.

    • 4

      Place feeders in shaded locations. The less sun the feeder has, the less algae will grow.