Deb Posted September 20, 2002 Report Share Posted September 20, 2002 As with most of the east coast, we are being encouraged to eliminate all potential mosquito breeding sites. Recommendations include emtying out all water sources (tubs, etc.) 1-2x a week. As we are also in a draught emergency, and operate on a private well, I'm most reluctant to empty my dog's cool-down tub when the water is still clean. I had been using the standard black plastic tub used by non-Border Collie people to mix cement, etc. Today I replaced that tub with a plastic storage bin with a lockable lid. I chose a clear plastic one to help keep the water a little cooler. The lid will keep out mosquito's and, as it locks down, will prevent the lid from blowing away in a storm. (Should we ever be lucky enough to have any storms...) The price was less than $15.00. Has anyone else tried this? And, why dod it take me the entire summer to figure this out? Deb Iron Pheasant Farm "Preserving the Tunis Sheep" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret M Wheeler Posted September 21, 2002 Report Share Posted September 21, 2002 Deb, I like your idea but I think the closed container might create a great big petrie dish. A few years ago, when my kids were still using a big wading pool I found some pool treatment chemicals mixed specifically wading pools (dilute chlorine, I'm sure). Though, I dunno about that if your dogs drink out of the cooling tank. What about laying a piece of screen or netting over the top? Bungee cord around the outside to hold it on etc. That allow air to circulate a bit more. ------------------ Margaret retired terrierwoman, border collie newbie drumlins@adelphia.net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Posted September 24, 2002 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2002 Hi Margaret! I think the mesh would work, too, if it was small enough to keep out mosquitos. The flexible window screen sold at local hardware stores comes to mind as a suitable material. We add a small amount of straight Clorox bleach to all our stock water tanks to help slow the build-up of "green scum". Without it, we had to clean the stock tanks out twice a week. (We are picky about always providing clean water to our stock.) With the bleach, we can go for 7-8 days and the water remains clear. The sheep (and horses) find it palatable - as we don't over-do it. Bleach is used many places to "clean" water for human consumption, too. I'm reluctant to add bleach to the cool-down tub as I don't want "blond" border collies! Deb [This message has been edited by Deb (edited 09-24-2002).] [This message has been edited by Deb (edited 09-24-2002).] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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