Tap water for finches?

[David]

I gave tap water to my zebbies for as long as I owned them, and no problems so far. But I feel scared when heard people said gives them tap water to drink will cause some health issues. If I don't use bottle water for my finches, can I just boil the water and let it cool overnight then give them next morning? Just curious and want to know if I can continue use tap water, thanks in advance!

[Red_Rose]

I'd like to know the answer to this as well. I've always given my button quail tap water with no ill effects.

[cindy]

Boiled water is fine, filter water is good as well.

Home Depot has free water testing its...if you are concerned about something unwanted in your water you can pick up one of their kits. (I saw them in bags as we exited the store)

[debbie276]

I have only ever used well water and have had no problems for many years.

[David]

Thank you Cindy, I will try boiled water maybe better then just tap water. I normally feed and change water for my finches in the morning, so should I boil it the day before or morning? I don't want take too long for my finches be able to drink it if I do it in the morning overnight boiled water will not contaminate for them right?

[paul-inAZ]

I use tap water for all my birds and quite honestly doing anything else has never crossed my mind.
They all thrive on it.
What specifically are you worried about in tap water?

[Sally]

I also use tap water for my finches, I am on county water supply. I do use bottled or distilled water when making formula for handfeds.

[David]

For tab water, what I worry about is that there are chlorine chemical in it, but I only saw that from online search. Hope it won't effect my finches.
Sally, do I need to let the tap water sit for 24 hours before give it to my finches ? I also saw that info online, by sitting water 24hours will kill and remove the chlorine.

[Red_Rose]

Hi David.

If you are concerned about chlorine then there is a very easy way to remove it from water without the need to boil or add chemicals.

Just fill up a pitcher of water and let it sit for at least 24 hours uncovered(no lids). Chlorine will release from the water as a gas(it's harmless) and after the 24 hour period, the chlorine will be gone! I know this because I have two aquariums so I know my way around water.

[Bhatta]

I use filtered tap water for many years. I do not prefer boiled water, because boiling changes the state of minerals present in the water. One quick reference: http://www.puremagic.com.au/drinking-water-myths

[Rox]

I honestly think it all depends on where you live and the quality of your tap water supply. Some places/countries have better tap water than others.

We are fortunate to have good tap water, so we all drink it, pets included.

@Red_Rose

Great tip for removing chlorine, thanks!

[mayble]

I'm another who uses tap water (city water) for my birds. I've used bottled water on a couple occasions when medicating, but rarely.

[Red_Rose]

@Red_Rose

Great tip for removing chlorine, thanks!

You're welcome! I'm glad it was of some help to someone. When you get into natural planted aquariums, you learn quite a bit about water chemistry.

[Pukasand]

I always used tap water for my birds. Two years ago, I started putting water in a pie tin on the heater in my bird room to provide moisture for them. I could not believe the amount of buildup of minerals, etc. that was left as a residue in the tin after only a few days. I immediately went out and bought a water purifier (PUR) to use for the birds and my family.
Well, last year was the worse year I ever had in chick production and survival rate. I couldn't understand what was wrong. I was feeding them the same as I always had, etc. Then it finally dawned on me about the water filter. I think I was actually filtering out the iron and trace minerals they needed. I immediately went back to tap water, and the birds seem much healthier and happier. I agree with Sally in that I use distilled water when hand feeding, though.

[David]

Thanks everyone for great answers.

If I let the tap water for 24hours and the chlorine will be remove completely? That's great! Can I use all of the water for my finces or ignore the bottom part?