FINCHforum

Hi,

I am a newbie and I would to start some sprouting seeds for my finches.

Every site I visit mentions the use of Virkon S but unfortunately it seems that where I live does not have Virkon S. I live on the Island of Malta (Europe).

I am now looking for an alternative and someone told me that they have Vanodine V18 and wanted to see if anyone has experience with it and if it is 'safe' to use for sprouting seeds.

Thank you

You might be able to get a product called F10. Super safe and very effective.

monotwine wrote: You might be able to get a product called F10. Super safe and very effective.

Hi - can you tell me the full name please so I can check it out?

If you do a search in this forum for vanodine, you will come up with a number of posts referring to vanodine, mostly as a disinfectant for cleaning. However, there is one post by Robin.V that tells about using vanodine in place of the bleach she used to use.

http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php ... ne#p150546

F10 is its full name as it comes in different forms. I use (SC) super concentrate liquid.
Search for F10 SC veterinary disinfectant.

You use so little of it that it is worth the cost.
Here is what I got after researching it and others some time back.
F10 SC
Benzalkonium Chloride
Active against: Bacteria, fungi, viruses and sporicidal

Pros: Very fast acting – kill times of 15sec to 15min exposure needed for viruses. Highly concentrated requires 1:500 ratio for disinfectant solution / 1:250 for sterilant. No residual build up detected in chicken muscles/organs, over 5 week period at 1:1000 and 1:250. Minimal chance of microbial resistance. Non-corrosive. Biodegradable. No adverse side effects on people, animals or on equipment and surfaces
Cons: Store out of direct sunlight. Difficult to obtain directly from supplier. Requires going through a veterinary practice/supplier which could inhibit cost although it is one of the cheaper with regards to dilution rates.

Notes:

Rendered inactive when mixed with other detergents or soaps.

http://www.f10products.co.uk/
It is produced by health and hygiene in UK, so should be available to you.

This is the method I now use, after much trial and error. No Virkon-S or other disinfectants required:

http://youtu.be/0VUJI_qcG2A

Neat little way of doing it Stephanie.

The trick with sprouting seeds is keep it fresh, both seeds and water, and well aerated if you want to avoid smells and mould.
Once your seed is soaked, and well drained it should sprout in no time at all.
IF left too wet and in too enclosed an environment. Especially if its warm, mold and bacteria will grow quickly.

I get the virkon s ( 50g sachet ) in my local veterinary pharmacy. If you can't find it localy you could always order from UK via amazon

single sachet
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Virkon-S-Sachet ... rds=virkon

Box of 5 sachets
http://www.amazon.co.uk/DuPont-Virkon%C ... s=virkon+s

Padraic

Checking your video out now Steph. THanks.