The drinking fountains are responsible for spreading or controlling most diseases in the loft. Water containers, like grit containers, should be made of plastic or earthenware rather than metal because some of the medications and vitamins that are put in the water also cause chemical reactions on metal. When water freezes it expands, so an earthenware container will break or split when the water freezes but the plastic vessel stretches. All water pans should be sponged each time the drinking water is changed. Once a week all fountains should be cleaned with Clorox. This eliminates all algae and bacteria that has collected in the seams of the vessels. And, too, when placing medications and vitamins in the water, the pan should be absolutely clean before starting each new medication.
Taken from Rotondo Racing Pigeons
1980
A Classic book