Aussie Finch Forum

Have just reread Mike Fidler's method of soaking seed and decided to give it a try, particularly if I'm to have some success with raising chicks. Had been put off by the instructions that involve large quantities of seeds. Am sure that I can trial smaller quantities and if you can freeze the seed should only have to do it every couple of weeks. Question is where does everyone buy their Virkon S from? Sound like it is so much safer than just using bleach, but have never seen any in pet shops/ Bird shops.

Virkon S, go online to "Birds R Us", it can be purchased via the internet from memory.

I buy 2.5kg at a time direct from vet-n-pet DIRECT (http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au),but you can buy 50g satchels for around $13 + postage, you don't need to use much for soaked seed.I use it to clean my water dishes, Incubator and hospital cage etc as well as soaked and shot seed.

the local finch club sell it on there opendays, but have seen it sold over here but can't remember where....pete

Thanks for that info. 50Gm sachet would be perfect for my needs at the moment. Just ran out to the Aviculture open day this morning to see if they happened to have any, but no luck so will order some online. Also took my carry box on the off chance that there were some top quality birds the same species as mine as now that I'm thoroughly hooked I'm trying to plan how to improve my gene pool with limited numbers and without inbreeding. Another aviary is out of the question so have to do it with the one I've got. Anyway came away with nothing.

I use Multi Clens Animal safe disinfectant in the drinking water and to soak the seed. Works really well. $15 for 500 ml and 1 teaspoon does 10 litres water.

Check this out too as I was told you can get some stuff from the chemist that works just as well and is cheaper.
viewtopic.php?f=40&t=4006&hilit=+multi+cleanse

What are the advantages of Virkon S over Chlorhexadine solutions? Makes you wonder why Mike Fidler didn't use them as they're so readily available in Australia. Did note that while Chlohexadine is an excellent antibacterial it's effectiveness against fungal and enveloped viruses hasn't been extensively researched. Would that be the clue,particularly in soaked seeds?

If soaking small amounts every couple of days is it necessary to add the chemicals ?

There would have to be some sort of action against them, as it is used in hospitals as a hand wash, and is also in the pre-surgical wash they give you before surgery (or used to be last time I was due to go under)

Redwing wrote:What are the advantages of Virkon S over Chlorhexadine solutions?

Not sure, VR1Ton might know as he posted about the Chlorhexadine substitutes.
I use the Multi CLens because it was available locally and on the directions it says it can be used for soaking seed and drinking water.

jusdeb wrote:If soaking small amounts every couple of days is it necessary to add the chemicals ?

I think I would just for peace of mind.