Newbie needs advice: Finding a Vet

[RMo2]

Hello!

I am very new to chickens, and have been trying to find a vet that will treat my chickens if any problems arise. I am just wondering if anyone has an idea beyond googling for livestock vets in my area? I also checked out the supplies at Tractor Supply, after reading many posts about people treating their chickens with antibiotics for illness. Our TSC does not carry any meds for chickens. I am wondering where else I should look in case something comes up. We have already become very attached to our 7 week old chicks and I just want to be sure I know where to get things if we need them!

TIA for your advice

P.S. Here is a picture from yesterday of two of our girls.

 

[tellynpeep]

Do you have a vet for your other animals? If so ask her/him if they will work with you and your birds. A livestock vet will likely be unfamiliar with avian medicine, and will certainly not consider your birds as pets. Another option is to find an Avian vet, who will be much more versed in chicken medicine but likely much more expensive. Where are you located?

 

[fried green eggs]

Congrats &

Many medications at TSC that can be used for chickens will also treat other livestock. Check the listings for small animal vets in your area and and look for farm and feed stores or mills. You could also call your countys Cooperative Extension Service.

 

[RMo2]

Thanks- I guess I assumed that my regular vet would not treat chickens, but I will have to ask them!

I am in southwestern Ohio-- between Cincinnati and Dayton.

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it. Just want to be sure I am able to be prepared for any problems down the road!

 

[RMo2]

Another good idea-- didn't think about the extension office! I will try there if my regular vet cannot help me.

Also, thanks for the info on the TSC meds-- I will look into this. We just got a Rural King store here, and I will check to see if they carry any meds too.

Thanks for your reply! I appreciate the welcome too!

 

[arkansaschicks]

You might have to call around to find one that works on chickens. It is good to know ahead of time before the emergency occurs. See who works on the birds at your local zoo. There are lots of websites where you can order antibiotics. Check the hatchery websites. I highly recommend having a chicken first aid kit on hand.

 

[RMo2]

Good ideas-- I like the idea of a first aid kit too! I will work on puttling this together.

Any suggestions for a chicken first aid kit?
-- Vet tape
-- Epsom Salt
-- Blue Cote

What else?

 

[arkansaschicks]

I have Baytril which is an antibiotic and syringes
hydrogen peroxide
worming products which is Wazine 17 and Safeguard
Sulmet which is for respiratory infections
Blood stop powder
Duramycin 10
Vaseline and rubber gloves
gauze pads and cloth tape
vitamins and electrolytes powder
Adams plus tick and flea spray
Dusting powder for lice
Vet RX

That is just to name a few things

 

[Sgtfirstwife]

If you type in chicken emergency supply kit you will find all you need. Also at the farm store, a lot of the meds recommended for the supply kit are found in with the cow and horses meds. Also the penicillin is in the refrigerator part of the store. I just wrote down the meds and handed them to the clerk and he found my meds for me. Be aware that some of the meds are really expensive. Also you might want to pick up a thing of poultry dust for mites. I freaked out when mine got those.

I am new to chickens too, so I know how attached you can become.

 

[arkansaschicks]

Be prepared you will get very attached!! That is why it is really good to be ready for what comes with raising chickens. It is really hard when things happen that you just can't control or fix. Raising chickens is wonderful! You will be hooked!