Must Have Medical Supplies?

[Pegasusi]

For those of us who live in remote areas with limited access to quickly getting supplies, what are the "must have" medical supplies and treatments you keep on hand for emergencies and convenience? I am particularly interested in treatments for common chicken illnesses and injuries, best antibiotics to have on hand, lice/mite treatments, wormers. Also are there any books you recommend for poultry illnesses and first aid?

 

[N F C]

I've found this to be a pretty good list of things to have on hand:
chicken-first-aid-kits-handy-and-essential-supplies-and-how-to-use-them.64830

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I am particularly interested in treatments for common chicken illnesses and injuries, best antibiotics to have on hand, lice/mite treatments, wormers. Also are there any books you recommend for poultry illnesses and first aid?

We can list all sorts of things for you to have on hand, there's as many products on the market as there are opinions.

Having a plan of what you will do with the chicken if it's sick or injured is a good idea.
Where will you put them - inside/outside.
A dog kennel works well for separation.

For injuries, a lot depends on what it is. You can be as simple or elaborate as you want.
For me, I use salt water or warm soapy water to flush out wounds. You can make your own sterile solution by boiling 1 teaspoon of salt per quart of water for 15 minutes. Let cool. This can be used for the eyes or wounds. If you have any solution leftover, keep in a sterile jar for up to 24hrs then throw out.

Triple antibiotic ointment and Blu Kote is what I keep on hand. I'm cheap. I go to the Dollar tree and get the triple antibiotic ointment. There are other things on the market like Vetericyn which is very good as well.

Antibiotics...again, it depends on what you are treating. For wounds or reproductive problems I would probably use Amoxicillin. For respiratory illness, Tylan50.

Dewormers...this is another one, you need to know what you are treating.
Broader spectrum dewormers like Fenbedazole (Safeguard) and Valbazen will take care of most worms if giving the correct dosage and amount of time.
For tapeworms, Praziquantel would be a better choice. For roundworms, you can use Wazine.

Lice and mites - use a Permethrin based poultry spray or dust.
Scaly Leg Mites - there's a wide variety of treatment for those too. Vaseline or some type of oil would be effective.

As you can see, it's good to have a few things on hand. Do some research/reading and find what you think will best suit your needs. A lot of things can be ordered online and delivered fairly quickly.

Just my 2¢

 

[Pork Pie]

Topic of the Week - Emergency/First Aid Preparedness
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/suggestions-for-a-first-aid-kit.1150128/