Using Oxine AH

[Renee97038]

I recently culled my flock of hens after a year of keeping a closed flock after I found out some of my birds died of Avian Leukosis. The state vet recommended using the "all out, all new in" approach to stop the cycle of passing this virus on. So, I am going to scrub down my coops with detergent and water while it's hot, summer weather, rinse them well and let them dry. Next step I will use Oxine AH. My question is do I have to use a fogger? I called the company that makes Oxine and asked if I could use a 1 gallon garden sprayer and they said it's ok. But, I read on BYC where someone posted a pressurized sprayer used has to have some adjustment to the nozzle end or the Oxine won't come out. Anyone have experience using a garden sprayer for Oxine?

 

[dawg53]

I recently culled my flock of hens after a year of keeping a closed flock after I found out some of my birds died of Avian Leukosis. The state vet recommended using the "all out, all new in" approach to stop the cycle of passing this virus on. So, I am going to scrub down my coops with detergent and water while it's hot, summer weather, rinse them well and let them dry. Next step I will use Oxine AH. My question is do I have to use a fogger? I called the company that makes Oxine and asked if I could use a 1 gallon garden sprayer and they said it's ok. But, I read on BYC where someone posted a pressurized sprayer used has to have some adjustment to the nozzle end or the Oxine won't come out. Anyone have experience using a garden sprayer for Oxine?

I've used oxine before. A garden sprayer has an adjustable nozzle on the end of the hose. You can simply turn the nozzle to adjust the spray from a fine mist to a steady stream once the container is pressurized. The only way a liquid; such as oxine or any other liquid for that matter, wont come out of the nozzle is if the nozzle is clogged with debris. If this is the case, remove the nozzle from the hose, rinse the nozzle and then blow into the nozzle the opposite end and rinse thoroughly again. This should clear the debris and ensure the nozzle holes are open, then reinstall the nozzle. There could be a clogged hose; remove the hose from the container as well as the nozzle. Roll the hose in your hand to loosen debris in the hose, then blow it out and flush with water. Reinstall the hose and nozzle. OR, go buy you a new sprayer.
Contaminated environment is a major concern with Leukosis and you're doing the right thing. However, feces contaminated soil is part of the infective environment. I recommend that you ask your vet about soil conditions being contaminated and what options you have. Good luck.

 

[Renee97038]

Thanks for all the tips on using a garden sprayer. I do realize that the soil can carry the Leukosis virus for a period of time. One article I read said up to 6 years! But, no definite studies have been done to confirm that. My flock was free range on a couple acres with a large barn coop at night. With all that acreage it will be impossible to disinfect the whole property. I will just have to do my best and see what happens. The state vet just said to disinfect the dwelling, he didn't mention the soil... I will be raising my new flock in a coop and run that hasn't been used for a year, and it's smaller so I can spray Oxine on the soil there easily. If my new flock gets the virus, then I will have to be chicken free for a few years and try again. Can you imagine that? Chicken free!!! I will have to find a new hobby!

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Good advice but it helps every few minutes if you'll shake the hand pump sprayer to help keep your spray mixed. This is even more important when using a wet-able powder.

 

[dawg53]

Oxine mixes well with water, much like bleach water.
It would probably be best to lime the soil around the coop/pen areas and use a rototiller to work it in the soil.

 

[missypebble]

Renne - Can I ask if you are treating the virus by using Oxine AH? Do you have further info about Avian Leukosis virus? Such as do you know how your chickens got it and if you know there are preventive methods? Sorry for asking questions on your thread, but I thought I should give it a try! Thanks.

 

[Renee97038]

I am not actually treating the Avian Leukosis virus with the Oxine AH, but giving all the areas a good cleaning and then using it. I have gotten rid of all of my birds and will not repopulate that pasture for about a year. I know that Leukosis can stay in the soil for a long time and a year may not be enough time...

And No, I have no idea where the virus came from. I have had chickens for over 20 years with no problems,and then this happened. I have acquired chicks and hatching eggs from a variety of breeders in our area over the past few years so it's impossible to figure out where the virus came from. But, the State poultry vet confirmed the diagnosis in 2 necropsies so his recommendation was to clean everything and start over.

If you have info to share about prevention etc, please share that.
Thanks for responding.