What to keep on hand?

[Kinziecornplanter]

Hi all!
I recently got baby chicks and they’re now almost 3 weeks old (time flies when you’re having fun). So a little background on myself: I am a nurse, which means I like to be prepared for all illnesses and injuries. I am wondering what products I should have on hand for emergencies. I have VetRX, as it was recommended by TSC, but are there any other supplements, antibiotics, etc. that I should keep in my “chicken emergency kit”? I appreciate any recommendations

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC!

Oh boy! You may find that some have a loooong list of supplies LOL

For me, I do keep a few things on hand.
Poultry Vitamins - there's plenty on the market, so you have choices. Personally I use Poultry Cell.

Most all of us have triple antibiotic ointment at home - I do keep a few tubes of that for me and just in case. I'm cheap so I get generic and usually what the Dollar store carries.

Coban, Vet Wrap, Sports wrap - whatever you want to call it - that comes in handy if you need to wrap legs, toes, etc.

Some type of anti-septic for cleaning wounds. That can be anti-bacterial soap to Betadine or Chlorhexidine. Peroxide could be used for initial cleaning, but prolonged use can damage tissue. Some use Vetericyn, it's very good, but $$ to me.
Saline or a recipe to make your own. Saline is good for flushing wounds as well - I prefer to use that when dealing with wounds on the head/around the eyes. Who wants soap in their eyes!

Antibiotics. Those are sometimes hard to find and depending on what the issue is depends on which antibiotic - with this shut down you may find it harder to source or even get an order in. I'm hesitant to suggest many since you don't necessarily want to over use them and you may never need them period. Chickens can often recover from wounds without medication. Amoxicillin can be used for infected wounds. It does a fair job with as reproductive disorder support (if infection is suspected). Amoxicillin can be ordered online as Fish Mox or you may find it at your Tractor Supply.
There are other antibiotics that you could get... again it just depends. Each one has it's pros/cons and uses.

A plan. IF you had a sick or injured bird, what are you going to do with them? A crate/dog kennel works well. Can the bird be brought inside if necessary - if not, do you have a secure place to put them - garage, shed, room in the coop, etc. A large tub works too. Some have extra housing or can even wire off a small section in the coop for the sick bird. Just something to think about - what you would do if faced with illness/injury.

Epsom salts. Good for soaking legs, feet and bums.

I don't use many things - so usually I get products as needed- some things expire or are never used. Yet again - finding or getting products may prove difficult during this time.

I'm sure others will add to the thread. Good luck with your babies!

 

[NewChickenLady84]

As a fellow nurse and new to raising my own chickens, I know why you would want to be prepared!
In my kit I have:
Vetericyn: an antimicrobial cleanser that can be used on other pets as well

BluKote: to put in injuries so other chickens don’t peck at the wound

Vaseline: to use on combs and wattles to prevent frostbite in the very cold weather we can have in New England

Neosporin: the regular kind with no pain relief

Sav-A-Chick: electrolyte and vitamin dry powder to mix in their water; can be used for adult chickens as well

And standard medical stuff like disposable gloves, coban/vet wrap, medicine dropper/syringe and some spray saline solution

I got the veterycin, sav-a-chick and blu-kote on Amazon, but I’ve seen them at tractor supply. Rest of the stuff you can find anywhere

 

[Kinziecornplanter]

Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it