Newbie question- What should I have in my chicken medicine cabinet???

[lady feathers]

Hi all,

I am not sure if this is the right place to post this or not, but I am new to this forum and would like to know what I should have for my chickens. I currently have 6 adults (1 roo & 5 hens), as well as 30 dark cornish that we will be using for meat/meat breeders, 20 silkie bantams, and approximately 70ish (maybe more-my chicken math is adding up) layers/breeders that are 4 1/2 weeks old. Seeing as chickens are quickly becoming a very big part of my everyday life I feel it is only fair to them to be as prepared as possible to care for them. I do not have a chicken vet nearby nor the money for one, so, any and all repairs will be made by me and my husband. I would like to know what tools of the trade I should have in my chicken medicine cabinet, what it is used for, how often you have had to use it, and possibly where to get it. Thanks!

 

[taprock]

The two I've used the most is styptic powder and bluekote. Powder for broken claws or feathers and bluekote for plucked heads. Vetrycin spray is also great but costs alot.

 

[CluckyJay]

This list varies with each individual. Things I keep around for all my animals include;

tea tree oil (disinfectant,wounds, deodorizer--in moderation),
lavender oil(disinfectant, wounds, deodorizer--in moderation),
Meadowfoam oil (diluting essential oils, moisturizing--food grade)
Neosporin (wounds)
peroxide
alcohol (disinfecting tools)
gauze
tape
superglue (wounds, fixing things)
raw honey (wounds, food additive)
septic stick/powder (usually flour/cornmeal-- it stops bleeding)


There is so much more but I can't think of them right now.

 

[Imp]

Here's a great thread about it:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=210271

Imp

 

[lady feathers]

Thanks guys!

 

[Want Less]

Blu-Kote for coating bare backed hens and for head pecking. From what I understand you can get it in a spray but we have the liquid form with a dauber. My tip from experience (that I learned the other day on accident) is you can easily and safely apply blu-kote to a chicken's head if you put gloves on, put it on your finger, and then wipe it on their head that way just like youre petting them gently. Trying to use the dauber ends up in a mess every time they shake their head... and you'll be wearing it!