Virkon S for sprouting seeds

[Bhatta]

Currently I am using KD Powder for sprouting the seeds. Now I ordered Virkon S, since many in this forum said that Virkon is more effective than KD. But, I don't know the dose of Virkon for sprouting the seeds. Please advise me, if possible in metric system. Also tell me the dose to disinfect the cages. Thanks in advance.

[Sally]

I use the Virkon-S powder, a 1% solution for both sprouting and disinfecting. I suppose you could use a bit stronger solution for disinfecting, but this is what I read to use. This works out to 1/4 teaspoon per quart of water, or 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Here is a link to Mike Fidler's method of sprouting seed using Virkon-S:

http://fabulousfinch.com/how-to-sprout- ... birds.html

[Bhatta]

Sally

Thank you. The link is very informative. Further, according to the page, we can mix Virkon in the birds' drinking water and leave it without changing for 7 days! Am I right?

[Rox]

Just a quick question. Do you treat your sprouts purely for disinfecting purposes only or is there another reason?

The only reason I'm asking, is because I sprout my seeds and legumes etc by just rinsing them a few times a day with clean water and so far no problems, just clean, healthy sprouts. Is disinfecting first really necessary and something I should be doing?

[Bhatta]

Rox
There are several reasons. Firstly, for disinfecting; secondly, to restrict pathogen growth (washing multiple times is not required); and thirdly, to preserve for longer duration in freezer/refrigerator.

[Rox]

Bhatta
Thanks. You have given me something to think about. Will see if I can find the different powders my side of the world

[monotwine]

Bhatta as was stated earlier, Virkon needs to be in a 1% solution for disinfecting. Not sure if the get the product below. I find it far easier to use as it is in a liquid form to begin with.

Rox on our side F10 concentrated liquid is the best. You can buy it from Vets or I see Custom feeds stocks it too. Not sure who would have it your side. Perhaps your favorite bird shop could order it in for you. Fabulous stuff and it lasts for ages. I use it for disinfecting feeding bowls, aviary, small wounds, water if I have any disease worries in the aviary, sprouted seeds etc.
Also safe for all other animal use. Has the fastest kill time and is non-toxic without any residual build up in birds muscles/organs. Like magic in a bottle.

[Sally]

Sally

Thank you. The link is very informative. Further, according to the page, we can mix Virkon in the birds' drinking water and leave it without changing for 7 days! Am I right?

I have never done that, so I can't attest to it. Mike Fidler gave that as an example of the safety of Virkon, but I don't think he was saying you should do it. I use the Virkon for sprouting seeds because prior to using it, I would have a batch of sprouts go bad once in a while, and this has never happened since using the Virkon.

I do soak my water tubes in the Virkon solution, but I still change out the water on a daily basis. When I am out of town, I have left water for 2-3 days, but I have not used the Virkon, just used plain water. Perhaps I should try using some Virkon in the drinking water when I am out of town.

The Virkon solution remains viable for seven days, so I change out my disinfecting solution that my water tubes are soaking in each seven days. Also, I simply take the water tubes out of the solution and fill with fresh water, no rinsing of the tubes is necessary, so the solution is quite safe, yet very effective against pathogens.

[Rox]

monotwine

Awesome, thanks so much!