Virkon

[dfcauley]

The good thing about this forum and the friends we have made on it is that we are always able to learn something new no matter how long or short a time we have kept finches.

I just wanted to share with all of you the the experience I have had using the Virkon in my fountain and soaking my seeds.

There has been a little something "off" in my flock ( mostly the gouldians). I give them soaked seeds every day. A friend of mine was visiting my home and noticed that my seeds smelled a little "off".
I always smelled them and they seems okay to me.... They only soaked for the one night......

Nevertheless I believe that I did have some bacteria present in the seeds.

I have now started adding Virkon to my seeds that I soak and I also clean my fountain with it twice a week. I change the water EVERYDAY, but clean it well twice a week. The difference in my birds has been remarkable! They are more active and looking so much better.

Just wanted to share this because we have been trying to find out what was going on and I have treated my birds with several different things trying to find the problem.

I haven't lost any birds, but they just ddn't seem as healthy as I would have like to seen them.

Hopefully we have discovered the problem. I would recommend this product to anyone and I love the smell. Good-bye clorox!!!!

I do have to give credit to where credit is due....
(Thanks Misty!)

[L in Ontario]

Good job, glad you found the issue!!

I always add a little ACV to my soakseed.

[dfcauley]

Good job, glad you found the issue!!

I always add a little ACV to my soakseed.

I always added that to the fountain. But this stuff is awesome. It seems to kill everything AND give it a great smell!

[Pukasand]

Can I purchase Virkon at a pet store or do I have to order it online?

[debbie276]

I sprout seed the way Mike Fidler explains in the DVD with virkon and absolutely love it.
Very good product

[CandoAviary]

Virkon is a great product. Here is a useful sight for those interested in using the product. It is a potassium peroxymonosulfate product.
http://www.birdsrus.com.au/?page=154
Vanodine is what I use since I am allergic to any Sulphur/sulfate products. Vanodine is an iodine base formula (also great for gouldian feathers ) It is also affective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Helpful website on this product.
https://bunnyrabbit.com/info/vanodine_e ... gainst.htm

I mostly use these products for cleaning. When soaking seed I rinsed many time throughout the day so I rarely have a problem with them.

[dfcauley]

I LOVE the vanodine also. I use this diluted to clean perches and mop the tile floor of my aviary. Wonderful product also!!

[nixity]

Can I purchase Virkon at a pet store or do I have to order it online?

Online only :\
You can get it from FabulousFinch.com for sure - there may be other websites that sell it but that's the only one I know off the top of my head.

[nixity]

Donna I can't agree more with how well it works.
Also thanks to Misty (she sent me some of her own supply to use, and it has lasted me MONTHS) I gave Virkon a shot because I wasn't having much luck and I've tried Apple Cider Vinegar, Grapefruit Seed Extract and Sparkle.

With all three of those despite rinsing REALLY well, my jar would develop this brown colored film that would wipe off or go away in the dish washer, but it bugged me.. I mean why was it there to begin with and where was it coming from?
I couldn't help but think it was some kind of algae and/or bacterial growth.

I wasn't having noticeable issues with my flock but it was still concerning.
Even though I was hesitant to use the Virkon because it can cause chemical burns in the powder form I had a LENGTHY discussion with Bill Van Patten and he eased my fears so I gave it a shot.

Using the Virkon, I have never seen the brown film again, ever, even if I don't wash the jar - it doesn't matter, it stays crystal clear.

I love it.. sets my mind at ease for sure now.

[FeatherHarp]

Its great to find out about Virkon....I have never heard of it before. Thanks for the great tip!

[Pukasand]

Can I purchase Virkon at a pet store or do I have to order it online?

Online only :\
You can get it from FabulousFinch.com for sure - there may be other websites that sell it but that's the only one I know off the top of my head.

Thanks for the information, Tiffany.
I already ordered it (in the tablet form) from arcatapet.com

I agree with Featherharp, I've never heard of it before, but am excited to get/use it.

I just ordered a large amt. of cleanser (not even here yet), that was quite pricey. Wish I had known about this first.

edit:
Candace, thanks to you, too, girl. I appreciate the web addys.

[FeatherHarp]

I just found that JustForBirds also sells Virkon...here's the link:
http://www.justforbirds.net/jfbprovirkon.html

[the.puppeteer]

We used Virkon for a bit at the shelter that I work at (I think we only stopped using it as we can now get cheaper stuff?).

A few words of precaution:
- as a powder it can burn skin (workmate who wasn't wearing gloves got a burn on her hand).
- do not inhale directly as that can burn too - found that out the hard way the first time I opened the container (but it does smell AMAZING!).
- I found the powder to be very 'light' and a cloud would poof up when poured (making it hard not to breathe in) - someone eventually switched the powder from the container it was in (tall and narrow one that you can't easily put a hand in for scooping) to a new one with large lid for easy scooping

Definitely wear gloves when handling the powder and I would suggest not having the container open near birds - not sure how dangerous the fumes or 'poofy' powder would be to them. Just follow the directions and all should be fine.

-Julie

[mickp]

I've been using it for about 4 years now, never had any trouble with it. most times I do about 10kg of seed at a time and freeze it. lasts me almost 4 weeks.

The complete article by Mike Fidler will be turning up in a few email inboxes in a couple of days time.

[MLaRue]

Donna,

That is good to hear!

I have gotten the powder on me and I was fine. I think each person has their own sensitivity to products and chemicals.

If buying the huge tub it comes in then take a small amount out of it and store it in a smaller plastic air tight container so it is easier to handle. I also keep a measuring spoon on top of the container so I don't have to touch the product or keep the measuring spoon in with the Virkon S.

I really love the product and the results. I certainly wouldn't do soaked seeds without it now.