Duck First Aid Kit!

[TheDaringDucks]

I'm currently working on pulling together a comprehensive first aid kit to have at the ready should any of my ducks need it! But first, I wanted to share this embroidered patch I made for my kit! It's going to be ironed-on to a small backpack I got for this project. I adore how it turned out!

I'd love to be able to make multiple versions of this patch with all sorts of ducks so people could personalize their own duck first aid kits. But that'll have to be AFTER I finish gathering all my desired supplies. Maybe I'll even make some for chickens or other birds if I have time!

Now, onto the list I've compiled so far for this kit. (Some of the items do double-up on uses, such as multiple options for cleaning wounds, and that is because there may be some products are not available in some locales, so having alternatives listed may help someone else.)

Basic Care & First Aid Supplies​

• Gloves – For hygiene and safety.
• Vet wrap – Self-adhering bandage that won’t stick to feathers or skin.
• Gauze pads & non-stick pads – For packing wounds or applying ointment.
• Cotton swabs & cotton balls – For packing wounds or applying ointment.
• Medical or paper tape – For binding wounds.
• Scissors – Blunt-tip preferred.
• Hemostat clamp / Forceps – For removing broken bloodfeathers.
• Tweezers – For splinters or debris.
• Q-tips – For cleaning around delicate areas like eyes or nares.
• Digital rectal thermometer – Be VERY careful taking a duck's temp, as doing so without prior knowledge/experience can lead to cloacal injuries. I do NOT recommend you do this if you don't absolutely have to (normal cloacal temp: ~102°F and 106°F / 40°C to 42°C).
• Eye dropper – For administering drops, liquids, etc.
• Syringe (with needle & without) – For administering drops, liquids, etc.
• Small soft toothbrush or nail brush – To gently scrub stubborn oil spots (used cautiously).
• Nail Clippers – Self explanatory.
• Notepad – For taking notes/observations.
• Magnifying glass – For making observations.
• Popsicle/paint sticks – For splints or splay leg.
• Rubber bands – For splay leg.
• Paper towels – For clean up.
• Plastic bags (grocery or trash bags) – For clean up.

Disinfectants & Topical Treatments​

• Rubbing Alcohol – For cleaning/sterilizing instruments, NOT wound care.
• Saline solution – For flushing eyes or wounds.
• Chlorhexidine or Betadine solution – For wound cleaning (dilute before use).
• Bird-safe Triple antibiotic ointment (without painkillers) – No “-caine” ingredients; toxic to birds.
• Bird-safe Styptic powder or cornstarch (without painkillers) – To stop minor bleeding (e.g., from broken blood feathers). Again, no “-caine” ingredients; toxic to birds.
• Vetricyn – Bird-safe wound and skin care spray.
• Silver Honey Spray – Wound repair spray.
• Blu-Kote – Antiseptic wound spray; use cautiously, as it can stain and obscure inspection.
• Bag balm or coconut oil – For chapped feet or bills.
• Sterile water-based lubricant – For egg binding
• Dawn dish soap (original blue) – For cleaning off damaging substances (such as oil).
• Superglue – For cracked or broken bill repair.

Medications & Supplements​

• Electrolyte powder (e.g., Sav-A-Chick, HydraHen) – For heat stress or dehydration.
• Probiotics powder – (e.g., Sav-A-Chick) To support gut health, especially after antibiotics or stress.
• HydroGel™ 95 – For heat stress or dehydration during travel
• Activated charcoal – For suspected toxin ingestion.
• Epsom salts – For foot soaks or drawing out infections.
• Nutri-Drench or Poultry Cell – Emergency vitamin supplement for weak or stressed ducks.
• Tums/Oyster shell/Calcium supplement – For egg binding

Foot & Mobility Care​

• Epsom salt + warm water + a small collapsible tub & lid with hole cut out for duck's head – For bumblefoot, sprains, or egg binding.
• Vet wrap booties or DIY foot pads – For bumblefoot, frostbite, or abrasions.
• Moleskin or foam padding – To cushion feet when healing.

Other Useful Items​

• Small towels or washcloths – For wrapping a duck burrito-style during treatment or for drying young ducks to avoid chills.
• Heating pad or hot water bottle or salt sock – To warm a chilled duck (never place directly on the bird).
• Flashlight/headlamp – For emergency checks at night.
• UV Flashlight/headlamp – For find missing eggs/inspecting poop.
• Carrier or small crate – For isolating a sick or injured duck.
• Duck-safe insect repellent – If you’re in a mosquito-heavy area.

Records & Emergency Contacts​

• Personal records for each duck in your flock – Including:
  • Name
  • Age
  • Sex
  • Temperment
  • Special handling instructions
  • Relationships with other ducks
  • Social changes (e.g. increased aggression, isolation, energy level, appetite, feather condition, droppings, etc.)
  • Activity level
  • Feeding and supplement regimen
  • Preferred Treats/known dislikes
  • Known Allergies/intolerances
  • Weight trends (if you are tracking this)
  • Observations/documentation of recent changes in behaviors
  • Physical identifications such as photos (head, body, unique markings, scars, or other marks, wet and dry. Include both nuptial AND eclipse molts for drakes)
  • ID tags documents (microchip number if any, leg band identifiers, etc)
  • Special dietary needs
  • Vaccinations
  • Previous/current medications, treatments, and diagnoses
  • Molting patterns
  • For Duck Hens: Egg-laying patterns (frequency, shell quality, nesting behaviors) and Brooding behavior
  • For Duck Drakes: Mating behaviors
  • Possible environmental stressors
  • Habitat details (size, flooring type, sleeping location, etc)
  • Emergency contact
  • Anything else I might have missed? (I am currently making a fillable PDF for this, if anyone wants a copy, let me know and I'll share it!)
• Local emergency vet contact info – avian or exotics friendly
• List of symptoms that warrant immediate vet care – e.g. labored breathing, not eating/drinking, broken bone.
• Dosing chart for any over-the-counter meds – As advised and approved by a vet.
• First-aid instruction guide for birds or poultry – (I'm still trying to source something good for this one, if I can find a book or anything I'll edit this!)

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PHEW! That's a lot so far. I'm hoping I've covered MOST of my bases, but I am totally going to keep researching and make sure this is as comprehensive as I can make it! Any feedback and thoughts are welcome!

 

[BoundlessLove]

What a detailed and handy list!
When you iron the patch onto your backpack, please post a picture.
The only suggestion I can think of would be to add a small roll of paper towels and a few plastic grocery bags. This will help with any cleanup and you will have a trash bag to throw away used qtips, wipes, gloves, etc.
Great job!

 

[TheDaringDucks]

What a detailed and handy list!
When you iron the patch onto your backpack, please post a picture.
The only suggestion I can think of would be to add a small roll of paper towels and a few plastic grocery bags. This will help with any cleanup and you will have a trash bag to throw away used qtips, wipes, gloves, etc.
Great job!

Will do!

I like adding paper towels and grocery bags! Heavy knows you'll need it just for how much they poop!