There are a number of problems with keeping water clean for our birds to drink and the current watering system solutions are not very promising. Not very promising until now! I have found a system that seems to work well not only for birds but all pets that are watered outside.
Flaws in some watering systems for birds
The watering systems I have come across in the past are: Water bottles, Drip system, water dispensers, and constant supply delivered by pipes to a pin dispenser that birds get water from by agitating the pin.
1. Water bottles are dangerous and have to be cleaned often as bacteria builds up quickly in stagnant water. I have personally had breeding birds die because they clogged the bottle dispenser with pellets and chunks of fruit.
2. A drip system is a constant drip into the bowl. This works somewhat but when birds defecate or dip their food into the water it quickly turns into a water source loaded with bacteria.
3. Dispensers and automated dispensers tend to build up bacteria and slime-fungus at the dispensing source which is usually a pin or ball that when agitated lets water flow. This pin or ball can also be clogged with food.
Another major drawback with the above systems is that they don't allow the birds to use the water to play in or clean themselves.
The best solution to this problem is an automated system that turns on various times through-out the day and delivers water through pipes and a pressure nozzle that both clean the water bowls of food and waste debris as well as refill the bowls with clean fresh water. Best of all this watering system can be made yourself using a hose spigot, pvc pipe, a pressure nozzle, and a water valve timer. Everything can be purchased at your local hardware supply store.
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