What should I have in my Chicken First Aid kit?

[The Pinto Pony]

I don't have a first Aid Kit for my Flock yet.So what do I need for one? I never know when a Cat will come around!

 

[Cacique500]

Quick list:

Styptic Powder
Tylan
BluKote
Safeguard (dewormer)
Corid

I'm sure others will be along shortly to greatly expand my list!

In 2 years with chickens we have used the Styptic powder (ripped off toenail), Tylan (clostridium perfringens), BluKote (misc. scrapes or minor injuries), and Safeguard (for deworming in the fall). The Corid was more for when they were young since a cocci outbreak can nail them very quickly...fortunately we never had to use it.

 

[donrae]

My list is small as I don't medicate my birds as a rule. Saline and Blue Kite for wounds and Corid for cocci. That's pretty much it around here. Sick birds are more likely to be culled than medicated.

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree with the above, I have never medicated a bird.

Lots of people have lots of strange things happen to birds that I have never seen.

Space and dryness is the most important thing you can give your birds, they will prevent most injuries and illnesses.

Mrs K

 

[rides2far]

Backyard Poultry had a great article with what should be in your first aid kit.

 

[DUCKOBSESSED]

Scissors, bandages, and vitamins and electrolytes.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

This may sound strange but...

If you ever incubate a bunch of eggs and only one hatches, or if a broody hen hatches a chick and then rejects it, the chick will be lonely. When this happens, lots of people recommend giving them a stuffed animal to sleep with. I did this once for a duckling that was rejected by its mother. You should find it a real friend ASAP so it wont imprint on humans- but until then a toy works well. Just make sure they can't eat parts of it and choke.

If you have a rooster, I know some people like to use those hen saddles or hen aprons or... whatever they're called, I don't remember.

Also if you ever need to bring a hurt chicken inside for isolation (if its injured and you want it separated from the flock) you will want to have some old, stained, raggedy towels to put down (so it doesn't poop on your floor).

It looks like everyone else already covered the basics. Of course, you can make it as extensive as you like. Some people have even made herbal teas for chickens!

 

[aart]

My list is small as I don't medicate my birds as a rule. Saline and Blue Kite for wounds and Corid for cocci. That's pretty much it around here. Sick birds are more likely to be culled than medicated.

Ditto Dat^^^^^.....and a couple wire dog crates are real handy in case you need to isolate/confine for observation.