Aussie Finch Forum

Hi

I've just noticed that Baycox in proper dilution is very alkaline - pH 8+. I am inclined to add acidifiers to bring it down below 7, such as ACV, citric acid or ascorbic acid, but will this affect the chemistry of the active principle in any significant way?

Thanks

Not sure about your question but there are many foods that we already feed our birds that have an alkalinity of 8 to 8.5. Parsley, endive, alfalfa sprouts, carrot, leafy green herbs, peas, spinach.

Also, from what I have read all sprouted seeds are alkaline.

Finchy,why would you want to change a medication that has been proven/used over many years to do its job. if you are worried about taste etc,add some raspberry cordial to the medicated water to mask it.
It worries me that to many people become obsessed with the medication of birds to keep them healthy,if you stick to a strict 4 or 6 month regime you shouldn't have any problems.......Hope that makes sense. Craig

crocnshas wrote:Finchy,why would you want to change a medication that has been proven/used over many years to do its job. if you are worried about taste etc,add some raspberry cordial to the medicated water to mask it.
It worries me that to many people become obsessed with the medication of birds to keep them healthy,if you stick a strict 4 or 6 month regime you shouldn't have any problems.......Hope that makes sense. Craig

Adding raspberry cordial will lower the pH anyway

Which takes it back to the original question, what effect will lowering the pH have on the medication.

iaos wrote:

crocnshas wrote:Finchy,why would you want to change a medication that has been proven/used over many years to do its job. if you are worried about taste etc,add some raspberry cordial to the medicated water to mask it.
It worries me that to many people become obsessed with the medication of birds to keep them healthy,if you stick a strict 4 or 6 month regime you shouldn't have any problems.......Hope that makes sense. Craig

Adding raspberry cordial will lower the pH anyway

Which takes it back to the original question, what effect will lowering the pH have on the medication.

Zilch,if thats the case,as my birds would be dead from not dosing them for coccidia. Craig

geeze guys, KISS principle, as said below why do you think you need to change the pH of something that is tried and true - are you looking for something else to do. Seriously read some of the other threads on medication applications etc and try and stick to the KISS principle.

Finchy wrote:Hi

I've just noticed that Baycox in proper dilution is very alkaline - pH 8+. I am inclined to add acidifiers to bring it down below 7, such as ACV, citric acid or ascorbic acid, but will this affect the chemistry of the active principle in any significant way?

Thanks

The label on the Baycox bottle under "General Instructions" implies the water needs to be alkaline. It specifies that acid water should be made alkaline (min pH 8.5) before mixing in the Baycox. This suggests lowering the pH by adding acid could potentially disrupt the treatment. So maybe adding ACV and red cordial which reduce pH will reduce the effectiveness of Baycox. I've certainly added red cordial to mine in the past - maybe not a good idea.
No doubt a brain will chime in soon with a scientific answer.

Thanks SD, well spotted! I can't see that on my container due to the ancient very smudgy label. I hardly use the stuff. Sounds like the manufacturer has a good reason for maintaining the alkalinity otherwise it wouldn't be emphasised, so I will run with that.

Thank again.

Just thinking out loud here...... but it could be that as the parasites have set up home in a generally ph neutral body, to make it uncomfortable for the parasite the ph level in the host needs to change hence the alkalinity.

bluebutterfly213 wrote:Just thinking out loud here...... but it could be that as the parasites have set up home in a generally ph neutral body, to make it uncomfortable for the parasite the ph level in the host needs to change hence the alkalinity.

Firstly I too am thinking out loud (guessing).
You may be correcrt BB. However we usually add mild acids (ACV, Aviclens, VirkonS, etc.) to drinking water to make life uncomfortable for all the nasties whereas this is the opposite, so I'm confused. We urgently need an expert brain to chime in!