What items should a hen keeper keep on hand?

[ThinkingChickens]

I'm great at first aid supplies for humans but what should a hen keeper have on hand at all times? I'm going to a larger feed store this morning and I want to pick up some supplies for my six girls. I'm going to get DE, since we haven't had any before, so I can add it to the sand in the new walk in run. What else should I pick up.

Shhh, if they have an Ameraucana that might have to come home. Shhhhh

 

[paperdragonfarm]

I've been wondering what should be in a chicken first aid kit myself. Thinking about it I would guess you'd want Bluekote, electrolytes, a heating pad, bandages, a container for baths....

 

[TwoCrows]

You can add surgical rubber gloves and ky jelly for those "egg bound" hens....

 

[TwoCrows]

Oh... and I just thought of a few more items for the first aid kit. Alka-Seltzer, ginger and cinamon powder for soured or slow moving crops.

 

[ChickenSahib]

Alka Seltzer? I thought ACV was enough?
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[TwoCrows]

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Apple Cider Vinegar is a wonderful maintenance product and does wonders for the over all health of the bird. However should one of your chickens become ill with an impacted crop or a soured crop, ACV may not be enough to save the birds life. You can also use a mixture of ginger and cinamon powder to soothe and move the most stubborn crop.

 

[ThinkingChickens]

Thanks! Keep em coming. These are great suggestions. I had no idea about any of these being new to all this.