First Aid help

[ohmyhens]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the chicken world, and I don't want to lose any of my birds

I'm trying to put together a first aid kit for chickens, what are the essential items?? I know I can't be prepared for everything, but I'm sure going to try. Any suggestions are much appreciated

 

[deacons]

Here are the contents of the kit that I've slowly put together over the past year or so, primarily in response to minor issues that popped up that I needed to deal with:

1. Small wire dog crate. OK, this can't fit in your "kit" per se, but if you have an "off" bird who needs some alone time, a bird with an open cut that needs to be separated, or a broody hen who needs some cooling off time, this is essential.
2. Epsom salts. Good for everything from bumblefoot soaks to making baths for messy bottoms (my most common use) to internal treatments
3. Vetericyn wound spray. Helps for quick healing of cuts or scrapes. I personally prefer the liquid to the gel.
4. Neosporin-type antibiotic ointment WITHOUT PAIN RELIEVER*. The pain relief ingredient is harmful to chickens.
5. Betadine Antiseptic Microbicide for initial cleaning of cuts, scrapes
6. Tweezers
7. Vet wrap, non-stick sterile gauze pads in various sizes, bandage scissors, and QTips
8. Save-a-chick electrolyte powder*, aka "chicken gatorade" for reviving birds who seem weak, pale, or otherwise stressed/struggling
9. Safeguard equine paste dewormer*
10. Wazine liquid dewormer*
11. Duramycin antibiotic*
12. Corid Amprolium* for cocciodisis outbreaks
13. BlueKote to cover up wounds and discourage pecking
14. Permethrin dust and Poultry Protector spray- for treatment and prevention of mites and lice. Not sure if the Poultry Protector really does anything but make me feel better to spray in the nooks and cranies of the coop as a preventative every now and then.
15. Small squirt bottle to rinse things with plain water or water/soap solution
16. Bucket deep and wide enough to dunk in a chicken who needs a bath because of a messy bottom
17. Disposable gloves & old towels (helps to wrap a chicken in a small bath towel to keep the wings contained and prevent panicked flapping, knocking over everything in your first aid area!)

*Be sure to check expiration dates and toss anything that's out of date- some people recommend checking when you turn your clocks ahead/back so you remember to look periodically.

 

[ohmyhens]

Thank you so much!