Fungus Growing In An Empty Hutch

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parkdaleangela

parkdaleangela

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Hi. I'm now up to eight GPs, all snug and comfy in their pairs with hutches well blanketed against the unseasonal cold winds.,
We were reorganising the patio yesterday and when we moved an empty hutch we noticed that as well as damp marks on the external wooden sides and back, the inside of the roof is covered in whorls of fungus, some with downward projections, a bit like stalactites. Not nice at all. This hutch isn't one that I use - just for housing the sweeties while I clean out although recently I've been able to clean out while they've been in the runs on the grass. The hutch in question sat on the flagstones. I'm thinking about selling it but as soon as I saw the fungus, alarm bells rang and clearly, I can't dispose of it in that condition.

So, my questions are : can anyone think of why this should have happened, what might have caused the fungus ? Can I safely clean it ? I was thinking of scrubbing with a vinegar solution and when dry a good spray with hutch disinfectant. Will that be sufficient ?

Thanks in advance.
 
Sorry I have no experience of this... but any type of fungus can be dangerous. I am unsure if something like F10 disinfectant would get rid of it. Fungal spores are very hard to kill
 
I don't know why this has happened, however the type of wood and whether or not it's been treated can affect fungal growth.
Some fungi are very particular and only grow in certain types of wood. Could it be that it's a different wood to your other hutches?
Disinfectants don't always kill fungal spores, you need a fungicide, but one safe for pigs. I have no recommendations though x


Oh hold on.... there is a vet disinfectant that I believe kills fungi and bacteria. Give me a moment to think of the name.

It comes in tablet form and you dissolve the tablets. Turns the water pink. If only I could remember the name.... Virkon! Yes, try looking up Virkon :) x
 
Critter said:
I don't know why this has happened, however the type of wood and whether or not it's been treated can affect fungal growth.
Some fungi are very particular and only grow in certain types of wood. Could it be that it's a different wood to your other hutches?
Disinfectants don't always kill fungal spores, you need a fungicide, but one safe for pigs. I have no recommendations though x
Click to expand...
Thanks - I'll check internet for a suitable fungicide.
 
Hibiscrub. Does a wide range of killing the nasties :) People have even used it directly on piggies too, so it should be safe.
 
Critter said:
I don't know why this has happened, however the type of wood and whether or not it's been treated can affect fungal growth.
Some fungi are very particular and only grow in certain types of wood. Could it be that it's a different wood to your other hutches?
Disinfectants don't always kill fungal spores, you need a fungicide, but one safe for pigs. I have no recommendations though x


Oh hold on.... there is a vet disinfectant that I believe kills fungi and bacteria. Give me a moment to think of the name.

It comes in tablet form and you dissolve the tablets. Turns the water pink. If only I could remember the name.... Virkon! Yes, try looking up Virkon :) x
Click to expand...
Will do !
 
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