Disinfecting Wood

[slwatson]

Sally

Also, do you add anything to the water that you give your birds in their tubes? I'm thinking about trying what you do, where you soak tubes and then replace them everyday. Do you use tap water? I've been using that aviclens added to bottled water, and it says on the aviclens bottle to replace the water every 1 to 2 days in warm weather, and every 3 to 4 days (I think) in cold weather. After two days, some of those tubes have the worst smell, and I think it's from the aviclens. Maybe those are the ones in direct sunlight, I haven't kept track, but it's awful.

[Sally]

slwatson The only thing I add to their water is apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbs. to 1 gallon. I've been doing this because I have pretty hard (alkaline) water, and the ACV is supposed to bring the pH down to more normal levels. Lately I've started using plain tap water with no ACV added, thinking maybe they need a break from it. During breeding season, I do add liquid calcium to their water once in a while, to give the hens a little boost on their calcium intake. I did start adding Sparkle to the drinking water when I was going to be out of town for a few days, and I found that the water tubes were just as slick as can be, no sliminess at all, after 3-4 days being gone. I haven't experienced any bad smell at all.

[Sally]

Sally

I have a question about the tablets...since that's what I have, because I didn't want to spend so much money on the powder.

As Cindy mentioned, the amount for sprouting is 1/2 tsp per quart of water....can I crush a tablet or two, then measure out 1/2 a tsp, and use that as if it were the powder form? I didn't know if it was more concentrated since it was pill form, or if it was the same as the powder.

I've never used the tablets, so I have no idea if they are the same concentration as the powder. You could contact the manufacturer, which is Dupont.

[cindy]

I can find out for you from the lady that sells it... let you know!

A guide to sprouting using virkon s http://www.gouldiansgalore.com/sprouting.html

[Sally]

The Mike Fidler way of sprouting is somewhat different than Terri's. I happen to do the Mike Fidler method, which soaks for far fewer hours. Since I cannot get the Save the Gouldian seed any longer, I simply soak my everyday seed mix (no pellets in it), and it works.

http://www.fabulousfinch.com/how-to-spr ... birds.html

[debbie276]

I also do it the Mike Fidler way, it's very simple and love how quick your done. I make a large amount using my own seed mix and freeze it just like the videos explain. Because the seeds are not in water so long I think it cuts down on the risk of going foul.

[slwatson]

Sally cindy debbie276

Thanks Sally for the info...I might try the Sparkle.

Cindy, if you could find that out for me, I would REALLY appreciate it!

Debbie, I really like the Fidler way too...I didn't have much luck the two times I tried it because my seed was too old, but I'm waiting on some new seed to arrive that will hopefully do better.

[cindy]

Sally cindy debbie276

Thanks Sally for the info...I might try the Sparkle.

Cindy, if you could find that out for me, I would REALLY appreciate it!

Debbie, I really like the Fidler way too...I didn't have much luck the two times I tried it because my seed was too old, but I'm waiting on some new seed to arrive that will hopefully do better.

Checked with her...she thinks it should be fine. Will look at the tablet v the powder concentration to make sure it is the same.

[slwatson]

cindy

Thank you Cindy!

[GouldieFledge]

Yes Sally and cindy, I saw the bucket on Amazon and that's my best bet, but I did think about the fact that the amount would last me through the apocalypse. I'd rather not spend that kind of money until I have a full-blown bird problem to justify it, hahaha.

I was actually going to ask the same question as slwatson regarding the tablets, since it seemed like a more economical route. I'm definitely going to buy some now, thanks for finding that out!

Gonna try the Virkon sprouting too, never would have considered that.

Thank you to everyone for all the info!

[Jason in TX]

After a nesting box is removed from any of my cages after use the first thing that I do is scrub it clean with plain hot water. I set it out in the sun to dry. Before its next use I place a UV bulb inside for a few hours. I like the piece of mind of using no chemicals.

[cindy]

Even if you use bleach and water to scrub it out, the water starts to break down the bleach and sun drying breaks it down further. I also mark and reuse the same wooden nest box for the same pair.

[Sally]

GouldieFledge@Dave@finchboy@cindy@lovezebs@debbie276@Jason in TX

For those who are using the Virkon S tablets versus the powder, they are NOT the same concentration. Here is the answer I got from the company that manufactures this product. Always check with the manufacturers, they know their products.

"The tablets and 10lb concentrate Virkon S powder are not comparable in terms of use.

Each tablet is equal to 5grams. Therefore, you need 8 tablets/per gallon of water for a 1% Virkon solution. The tablets are not meant to be crushed they should be used as a whole tablet."

[debbie276]

Thanks for that follow up Sally! I actually like the tablets and have no problem getting them to dissolve. Never even thought to crush them up

[cindy]

GouldieFledge@Dave@finchboy@cindy@lovezebs@debbie276@Jason in TX

For those who are using the Virkon S tablets versus the powder, they are NOT the same concentration. Here is the answer I got from the company that manufactures this product. Always check with the manufacturers, they know their products.

"The tablets and 10lb concentrate Virkon S powder are not comparable in terms of use.

Each tablet is equal to 5grams. Therefore, you need 8 tablets/per gallon of water for a 1% Virkon solution. The tablets are not meant to be crushed they should be used as a whole tablet."

Thanks for checking Sally... I prefer the powder.... I use it for too many different things. I asked the lady that sells the product about the crushing... to me it is too much work to crush it and worry about the proper measurements to use.