FINCHforum

I spent the weekend preparing soaked seed per Mike Fidler's method. I learned some things in the process I thought I'd share.

Virkon S is very difficult to find locally even though I live in a larger city with an agricultural influence. I tried every where but finally just ordered online.

When soaking the seed remembr that the seed increases in volume as th watr is absorbed so use containers that have enough space for expansion.

Mike's method is really easy overall mostly just takes the waiting time. His videos make it really easy to understand. I also noticed how the seed smelled nutty after the soak. The virkon rally makes a diffrence.

The real test was putting it in the cages. I have to say that it was lss then 5 minutes and the cordons were eating it up. I'm excited to see how it helps in the long term. I should have enough for the next several months and will freeze it.

I will update as I learn more.

I am curious to hear how it goes in the longer run. I've always been leary of trying to soak seeds to feed for fear of the seed developing bacteria or fungus. Is that why the Verkon S?

That's exactly why the Virkon S. I was in the same boat not wanting to try for fear of mold etc bu the Virkon gets rid of all that.

The longer term will really be the test.

The Virkon-S is a fungicide, so you should not have to worry about fungus or mold. I keep my sprouted seed in the freezer, and it does just fine. When I take it out, it is pretty much loose, because it is fairly dry when I freeze it. The occasional ball of frozen seed breaks apart easily, just as described in the video. I let it sit out a bit just to take the chill off it, and my birds eat it just like the freshly sprouted seed. Sure is nice to put up a large batch in the freezer and have it ready to go when I want it.

Sally,
How long does it last in the freezer?

How long does it last in the freezer?

I believe the video says it will last a year but it's been a while since I've watched it again. I make up 3 containers of seed at a time and it never last that long, my birds love it.

EDIT: Just watched the video and he does say you can keep the seeds in the freezer for as long as 12 months, not likely but you could without concern.

unfortunately even with VirkonS sprouted seeds can be lethal to birds in the tropics. The overnight ambient temperature does not get low enough to deter fungus and more particularly toxins. Not worth the risk for me. Its great fo the birds though if you can sprout safely as I did when I lived in Sydney.

kenny66 wrote:unfortunately even with VirkonS sprouted seeds can be lethal to birds in the tropics. The overnight ambient temperature does not get low enough to deter fungus and more particularly toxins. Not worth the risk for me. Its great fo the birds though if you can sprout safely as I did when I lived in Sydney.

Why not just remove it after a few hours rather than leaving it over night?
I always take mine out late afternoon/early evening, so it's never in the cage more than 8 hours, and whatever is left (if anything) is always dry.

In the video you're not supposed to rinse the Virkon off the seeds, just drain. I would think the residual Virkon would still have some effect?

I froze the batch last night and this morning it was very easy to scoop up the right amount to give to the birds. I am pretty sure that I will go through what I made before I hit the year mark. The birds seem to really like it and I am hoping it encourages my BCCB to at egg food. I am worried about keeping the meal worm dish full once they have nestlings.

The Goldbreasted Waxbills also ate it well yesterday. Hopefully it continues and provides them the extra nourishment talked about.

nixity wrote:

kenny66 wrote:unfortunately even with VirkonS sprouted seeds can be lethal to birds in the tropics. The overnight ambient temperature does not get low enough to deter fungus and more particularly toxins. Not worth the risk for me. Its great fo the birds though if you can sprout safely as I did when I lived in Sydney.

Why not just remove it after a few hours rather than leaving it over night?
I always take mine out late afternoon/early evening, so it's never in the cage more than 8 hours, and whatever is left (if anything) is always dry.

In the video you're not supposed to rinse the Virkon off the seeds, just drain. I would think the residual Virkon would still have some
effect?

Its not from leaving the sprouted seed in the aviary, its about the temperature whilst the seed is sprouting