Blu-kote vs. blue lotion

[nittanyxi]

I was told to get Blu-kote at the TSC to put on bare spots above some of my hens tails to try to prevent feather plucking. I couldn't find anything called Blu-kote at the TSC but I found an antiseptic wound dressing called "Blue Lotion". Are they the same thing?

Is it ok to eat the eggs of a hen I put this on? It says it's for common skin lessions of horses and dogs but not to use it on animals intended for food.

 

[CMV]

Same thing. I have used Blukote for years and am still around to tell the tale. Blukote is mainly comprised of gentian violet, the chemical used on newborn infants' umbilical cords to dry them out and prevent them from becoming infected. If something is used on newborns routinely, then I consider it as safe as something is going to be. Blukote has not been tested in food meant for consumption because of the rigorous testing and added expense to the manufacturer. The manufacturer knows people are going to continue using their product despite the food warnings, and they would be correct. Why should they go through a bunch of needless testing if people are going to continue using their product regardless? The only thing I would caution you about is using it on an animal and then butchering the animal. I wouldn't eat the skin of animal that has a coat of Blukote on it, but that has little to do with food safety. It's more about aesthetics. Blukote leaves anything it touches purple-ish blue for months after. Eating a chicken with purple skin would just be weird.

I hope this helps. Good luck.