Using Oxine AH for chicken fungal infections

Some bird owners report Oxine AH has been helpful in treating some fungal problems.

Caution about effectiveness:

Do not place over-confidence in this treatment. Oxine is not useful in many cases of a fungal problem. Do not have overly high expectations that it will be helpful in your birds'.

Also, new information about non-activated Oxine may indicate it is not nearly as effective as activated Oxine. Until more knowledge is available, see http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/562407/oxine-seems-fabulous-users-please-share-usage-dosage-storage-etc/100#post_12672480.

** PoultryPedia does NOT recommend using Oxine as the primary treatment for most respiratory or other problems, particularly if the problem has developed to a critical point. In many cases, antibiotics and/or other treatments are needed instead of or in addition to Oxine. **

---

*Note: Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar "with the mother" (found in many grocery stores), and other treatments may offer some of the benefits that Oxine is reported to.

• Manufacturer's product description

• Article: "The Many Uses of Oxine"

Oxine AH comes as a concentrated liquid in a quart or gallon jug, and should be diluted with water according to directions.
If you decide to make "activated" Oxine, you can also purchase Citric Acid Activator. It can be mixed in shortly before using (within 1 week prior) to make an "activated" Oxine solution. The activated form of Oxine solution is more potent, so dosing or application does not need to be as heavy.

Different sources offer conflicting information on using activated vs. unactivated Oxine. You will need to do additional research to determine correct methods of use.

• The Oxine bottle label says: You should NOT use activated Oxine while animals are present, you should use a respirator when spraying, and solution should be washed off feed & water containers before using again.
• A few other sources say: Activated and non-activated Oxine AH can both be used around, on or in birds, but you need to use more care and cautious dosing if using activated Oxine. The sources say either form of Oxine may be used quite safely around feed and water, without worry about residues. However, you would have to so some checking to verify these sources' recommendations.
• One source that is considered knowledgeable considers the potency of non-activated Oxine to be so low that it offers very little benefit.
  

Oxine's effectiveness is deteriorated by exposure to sunlight. Oxine concentrate and all solutions be stored until use in a closed container that is either nontransparent or is kept away from daylight.

• Activated Oxine solution's effectiveness will decrease over time so you need to mix it fresh at least once a week.
• Non-activated Oxine mixed with water will stay effective (although at a lower intensity) a long time.

*Important note: The amount of Oxine required per cup of water is different for making Activated Oxine solutions vs. Non-activated Oxine solutions.

Nebulization / inhaled mist treatment / fogging for Respiratory infections:
Note: Nebulization is an off-label use for Oxine AH, but many poultry keepers report it has helped their birds.
Mix  2 1/2 teaspoons non-activated Oxine AH with 1 cup water. (This is enough for about four 15-min. humidifier or 8 spray bottle treatments for a few chickens.)
* Apply via a fogger, vaporizer, very fine mist spray bottle, an evaporative humidifier, or an ultrasonic "cool mist" humidifier (many of which often produce very small droplets), and direct the mist toward the bird's face.
Note: Water droplets must be very small to reach as deeply as possible into the birds' lungs & air sacs.
Directing the mist toward a bird's face can be most conveniently done while it is sleeping on the roost at night, or if you place the bird in a confined area.

•  For less severe problems: Give one 15+ minute treatment every other day for a week.
•  For severe problems: Give treatments up to 3 times per day or leave humidifier on overnight for up to 5 days.
•  Routine care: Give 15-min treatment once a week.

Caution: Do not overdo the heaviness / intensity of the mist! (especially if using spray bottle).

• Too heavy moisture amounts might make breathing somewhat difficult plus cause too much moisture buildup in lungs and breathing air sacs.
• With some people, it may be possible for Oxine mist to cause mild temporary headache. It is not known if some birds may experience similar discomfort.

• With a bleach solution, bleach itself will stop on any porous surface area (such as wood) and only water will penetrate past that. The water moisture that soaks below the surface can then actually increase growth of fungi, etc.
• With an Oxine solution, the Oxine will stay with the water and penetrate to also kill fungi, bacteria, etc. below the surface.