INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[Chaneys Ranch]

We've been talking about basic first aid kits over on the natural thread. Thought I'd re-post here hoping it would be helpful to someone. What does everyone else keep in their first aid kits?


Here's the link where I first posted: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...eeping-thread-ots-welcome/10830#post_10837819

First Aid Kits:

Since the bumble foot incident, I have the following and most of these are inexpensive - you might already have some of them. This is just what I have and probably left some things out!

Sharp Scissors - 1 normal size for cutting gauze, etc. and 1 smaller for working on the chicken itself if needed or to remove vet wrap...small enough to slip under the vet wrap and cut it off if it won't "unwind".

Exacto Knife

(Got mine at Walmart)

Tweezers (flat tip and pointed tip)

Cotton Swabs

Vet Wrap (farm store or on line...cheaper at farm store as no shipping $1.99 each!) Comes in all colors and even some cute designs. It's 3" wide so I cut it in 3 strips to make it thinner. You can see a photo here that shows how I cut it: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...eeping-thread-ots-welcome/10760#post_10829288

Cotton Gauze Squares (regular drug store)

Epsom Salts

NuStock

(This stuff is amazing. It is anti-fungal and anti-biotic. Been used by farmers for years. Can be put around/on the vent to help cure vent gleet, kill nits of lice/mites, etc.) I couldn't find it locally, had to order on line. There are lots of testimonies on this thread and on the natural chicken keeping blog on uses for this stuff. I had never heard of it until here!

Triple anti-biotic Ointment (or a veterinary equivalent)

Icthammel ointment (Got mine at the local TSC)

Bag Balm (Farm store or drug store)

Alcohol

_________________________

Other stuff I have that is not very basic:
Biopsy Punches in various sizes (4mm, 6mm, 8mm). Got these when I had the bumble foot and just got some extra to keep in the kit.

A small Curette. Also got this on vetmed where I got the biopsy punches.

Saline Solution and a squirt bottle to use on bumble foot surgery. (had to order from Grainger Supply and picked it up at the local Grainger when it came in. ) The squirt bottle I got at the local store (kind of like a ketchup container...found it in the cosmetic department.)

Squeeze bottle looks like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Squeeze-Condiment-Open-Tip-Screw-On-Polyethylene/dp/B000HOCFPW

I see a few things, exacto knife is one, Thanks!!! Good post!

Well we are not having the baby today but maybe either Friday night or Sunday night. Wife has to have another appointment on Friday. She isnt dialated enough.

Oh, I bet you are both disappointed. How is she feeling?

I can't believe how big this thread has become!

we all just needed the chance to meet and chat! Thanks, I am really excited its taken off. I know I have learned so much from everyone already thank you ALL!

 

[jhfamily5]

i have vet rx thats going into my first aid kit has anyone use it before?

I love VetRx! You can rub a little drop or two on a chicken's comb and wattles and it is soothing for them. They love it. It is also good for their feet and legs. If you read the little insert that comes in the box, you will probably be amazed at all the different uses for it. I know I was. I have seen several references to using triple antibiotic ointment in the first aid kits and it is a must. I just feel I have to add that you have to get the non-medicated kind. It can't have the pain reliever in it. Also, Polyvisol WITHOUT iron is another must. They are actually infant vitamin drops that you get at the drug store or Walmart. A little pricey (like $7-$8) but a LIFESAVER. Literally. I have had two chicks with wry neck that were completely healed in less than a week after giving 2-3 drops twice a day. Just my $.02

Took some pics for Vickichicki. 3 lemon blue bantam Cochins (not sure what colors can hatch out, but looks like a blue, lemon blue, and buff like color?) and the EE from Meyers. Just thought I'd share.

EE chick 1

EE chick 2

EE chick 3

EE chick 4

BEAUTIFUL chicks! I love blue and lemon blue in any breed and I love Cochins too so to me they are double AWESOME!!

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

can i feed my baby chicken (6 weeks old) oyster grit?

You don't want to offer it until they are almost at laying age. Too much calcium will hurt their bodies.

There was a little bit of sentimentality as right when she was treating for frostbite, they lost their barn to a fire with over 100 chickens, their LGD, and 2 sheep. The chicks she was brooding in the basement were all she had left - and Margaret...who was also in the basement being treated.

Thats so horribly sad

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

I now have chicken wire on the ground all around it covered in gravel and nailed to the structure dogs are on invisible fence and now not able to get within 30' of the coop

Wonderful news, bet it is a huge load off you mind too. I love my little pug, but I just know she would hurt my chicks if she got to them, we have had some close calls in the beginning.

Pictures from mere minutes ago:






And to Chic-n-farmer, no we didn't use pennies as washers. We used fender washers, they are about as large around as quarters. Had to attach the window wiring as predator proof as we can. This internet thing is an awesome way to learn from others' mistakes. No disrespect to others who have made mis-steps, but we try to learn.

Looks great, and the babies look so content in there!

FINALLY getting a good hatch! I believe I had the humidity too high prior and drowning the chicks? I was maintaining it around 65% prior and now maintaining 55%. So far 16 of the 21 Orpington eggs has hatched! The pen was supposedly composed of lavender Roos and hens with one lemon cuckoo roo and hen in the pen. Based off of the hatch, I believe the lemon roo was a busy boy! 3 lavender type, 11 buff colored, and 2 dark brown! I'm excited about the brownish ones and curious to see what color they turn out. One egg is currently pipped and done see anything on the other 4. Anyways, here they are. If Vickichicki approves, the lavender colored will be going to her.

well done, awesome hatch and beautiful babies!!!!

Oh man DW made this pic and posted it on facebook for me!

Run away screaming NOOO YOU CAN"T MAKE ME!!!!!!

 

[CluckAcres]

Oh, I bet you are both disappointed. How is she feeling?

She is doing ok.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Sorry for commenting after someone else has already given advice

I try to catch up and comment a page at a time then realize everyone else had, we are all chatting so fast I lose track

I hate being gone all day!

 

[Mother2Hens]

Sorry I overreacted about the April Fool's Joke. I hadn't had my outdoor chicken therapy time to clear my mind before I fired off that rant. I acted a little like my high strung RIR hen! haha

Very interesting posts about first aid and chicken foot issues. Bradselig's bundles of chicks (I want them all!!) were a bright spot.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Sorry I overreacted about the April Fool's Joke. I hadn't had my outdoor chicken therapy time to clear my mind before I fired off that rant. I acted a little like my high strung RIR hen! haha

Very interesting posts about first aid and chicken foot issues. Bradselig's bundles of chicks (I want them all!!) were a bright spot.

Oh my, no you are ok! It scared a lot of people! No worries

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

I just peeked, today's hatch day, I have internal PIP on Goose #2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Just shouting out to everyone.... WE NEED HELP. If you are familiar with Microsoft excel, and have worked with google docs... Please. Help us keep our thread active! there is just a handful of us keeping our member list active and updated. This helps everyone in the state. Looking for a specific breed, finding a food mill to save you a few bucks... Lets help each other.Is there a swap or event you go to, or are aware of? Do you offer chicks that you raise and sell? Let us know!! Send a message to CluckAcres, bwindell, mother2hens, or myself and we can add you to the member list. Lets keep our Indiana thread going strong and help each other.