Vircon S

[gomer]

You would like to think with all their scientific research etc,That STGF has done with sprouting seed with virkon s, that they have not missed anything.But who knows ? Perhaps the potential risk of any long term use, far out ways the risk of toxins and fungi not using it ? Any way have a look on you tube under virkon s. I wont put on here the links I found as i believe they would breach copy rights,Lets just say the gent has been mentioned above.

[Weaver]

Maybe I am more conservative than others, or perhaps it is because I am in the pharmaceutical industry, buy I would not use any chemical , off label, meaning for any other use than that claimed by the manufacturer.

I am old enough to remember the chemical companies spraying DDT on children to show how safe it was.

Perhaps reading the MSDS will allow you to make a more informed opinion.
http://www.pharmacal.com/MSDS/US/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;​MSDSVirkonS.pdf

I will continue on without this chemical though.

[Fincho162]

...........and in defence of chlorhexidine it is commonly used in the medical/health industry today everywhere and we came to research it because of its properties during the AIDS scare for washing mouth parts and other items used by the Red Cross.
Been using it for decades without mishap...but only for seed soaking and washing the odd bowl or 67000 nothing else.
Interesting thread.

[gomer]

I used to work in a fertilizer place for years.There was one product milled sulphur we used, you should have seen the msds on that,would scare the pants of you.Yet it is commonly used in many animal medications and supplements. I guess with some things its ok used in moderation, But with the virkon it would be very interesting where your friend got the info from Eorix.

I also use the virkon to wash my Chinese takeaway containers as well, after the maggots have finished with them to reuse, stops any bacteria.

[E Orix]

I am just being the Devils advacate. The more reaction the better.
My concern with any chemical is the birds small body weight compared to a dose size or possible chemical build up in their bodies. Not just Vircon S

[Weaver]

What I was trying to get across, is that Vircon is an extremily effective disinfectant/antiviral product used as directed.
Even used to wash food and drink vessels is fine. These containers are general non porous and any residue is readily rinses off.
However with soaked seed or simply in the water the birds will ingest this chemical and as has been pointed out a finch is a very small creature.
With reference to its use in cleaning medical devices, again the instructions are clear to rinse well in clean water prior to use.

[Myzomela]

Well said Weaver!

[mickw]

Gee thanks everyone......this has been very informative........I'm not about to chuck all of my Virkon away, but I am going to back it off a touch.....maybe even go back to bleach for sprouting seed?..........Any thoughts on this?.............



PS: I failed first year Chemistry, so I'm relying on you Myzomela & Weaver

[Buzzard-1]

With all that being said which I might add was excellent. My choice (and it is mine) is with the short lifespan of the finch the small amount ingested/accumulated the benefit well outweigh's the cons. I am going to continue to use to soak seed the only thing I'll change is I will rinse in clean water for longer prior to freezing.
As yet I have not lost a bird (other than known mishaps)since I started using VIRCON S years ago.

[jusdeb]

Personal choice until someone can come up with proof positive of the effects be it positive or negative .

Guess it comes under the same heading as immunizing children , antibiotic over use and fluoridation of water supplies ...all controversial .
HOWEVER it does make one think doesn't it .