Aspirin for chickens?

[talkinboutchickens]

I have always wondered about aspirin for chickens. Its really stressful because I haven't been able to find a definitive answer for the dosage amount and of what type of aspirin. All of the info is varied. I was wondering what works for you. And is it true that you should not be offering it to chickens who are actively bleeding? I am mainly wondering this because I will be teaching a beginner chicken raising class, and we will be putting together first aid kits, and if aspirin is a good thing to include. Thanks!

 

[casportpony]

I have always wondered about aspirin for chickens. Its really stressful because I haven't been able to find a definitive answer for the dosage amount and of what type of aspirin. All of the info is varied. I was wondering what works for you. And is it true that you should not be offering it to chickens who are actively bleeding? I am mainly wondering this because I will be teaching a beginner chicken raising class, and we will be putting together first aid kits, and if aspirin is a good thing to include. Thanks!

The dose I would use is 5 mg/kg three times a day. Since you've never used it, I'd recommend not mentioning it in your class.

 

[Mrs. K]

Chickens have a totally different digestive system than people, and are MUCH smaller. I have never given aspirin to any bird, and would not recommend it in a first aid kit.

I really don't believe in a first aid kit. I believe in clean water, good food, plenty of space with plenty of clutter so the birds get adequate exercise, move away from each other or get out of sight. Multiple feed bowls placed so that birds eating at one station, cannot see birds eating at another. Safety measures as in a secure coop and run.

Mrs K

 

[SamLockwood]

I've never used it on chickens that had wounds, but I have used it one ones that had leg and foot injuries and it seemed to help them. I like the asprin powder sold at, among other places, Tractor Supply. For a standard size bird, I use a pinch of the powder in some water

I keep some supplies on hand, because even under ideal conditions accidents can happen. Vet-wrap (which also comes in hand treating splay-leg if you hatch chicks), antiseptic spray, antibiotic ointment, etc. Just make sure not to buy anything with lidocane or any pain relievers in it, the doses are too high for poultry and can poison them.