I am going to start this by stating the obvious – I am not a veterinarian, nor do I have any medical training. I am not able to diagnose or recommend treatment for any of your animals. However, we do have chickens and, believe or not, they do become ill.

For the longest time, we would just treat things as they happened. It never occurred to us to be proactive rather than reactive.

It wasn’t until we had a predator attack at 6:00am, long before any of our local feed stores opened, that I finally realized that we weren’t being the best stewards to our flock by not being prepared.

Through research and experience, we put together a chicken first aid kit. This isn’t everything you exclusively need, but we have included items that we use on a frequent basis. 

Where can I purchase?

Most of these items can be purchased at Tractor Supply, Atwoods, Amazon, the Dollar Store, and Wal-Mart. I will include where I bought them (although they can obviously be found in other places).

Blue Kote (Tractor Supply)

This is one of the most valuable items we have in our kit. Blue Kote is a spray antiseptic that helps clean wounds. It will also color any area sprayed blue which discourages other members of the flock from picking at the area.

Apple Cider Vinegar (Dollar Store)

We use apple cider vinegar in our baby chick’s water to help prevent pasty butt and use it as needed in our older hens to improve digestive health.

Cuticle Scissors (Wal-Mart)

These are handy when you have to cut something small, like gauze, and fit easily in a first aid kit. It also lessens your chances of accidentally injuring a struggling chicken. 

Dawn Dish Soap (Dollar Store)

Keeping soap on hand is never a bad idea; we use this to wash our hands as well as any instruments that we use when performing first aid. 

Latex Gloves (Wal-Mart)

You don’t want to introduce bacteria (such as Staph) to yourself or an injured chicken. Latex gloves are hygienic and help keep everyone safe when used correctly. 

Gauze (Dollar Store)

We use gauze to dress small wounds that need covered. 

Epsom Salt (Dollar Store)

If you have a flock that has issues with bumble foot or a vent prolapse Epsom salt is an easy way to help. Keeping the chicken in the water to soak…. Not so easy.

Peroxide (Dollar Store)

We use peroxide to sanitize and clean wounds

Iodine (Wal-Mart)

While you can also use peroxide, iodine can be used to clean wounds and sanitize any instruments that you utilize. 

Diatomacteous Earth (Amazon)

Diatomacteous earth is an easy way to help with lice and mites. Simply pour a few tablespoons in your dust bath for preventative care. 

Preparation H (Wal-Mart)

In the instance of a vent prolapse, preparation H can help reduce swelling so that you can gently push everything back into the vent. 

Save-A-Chick (Atwoods)

This is great to have on hand for baby chicks and we use this when we order them online. Chicks can get stressed in-transit so we mix this with their water to help provide vitamins and electrolytes. 

Syringe (Amazon)

At some point, you will need to give your flock medicine. Having a syringe is useful.

Super Glue (Wal-Mart)

We belive this should be used sparingly, but, in a pinch, you can use super glue to fix a toenail or small wound. 

Vet-Rx (Tractor Supply)

This multi-purpose medicine can help treat scaly leg mites, respiratory issues, and eye worms. 

Selenium (Amazon)

Selenium can be used to help treat wry neck. 

Vaseline

Vaselline is great to have in the winter. You can rub in on your flock’s combs and/or wattles to help prevent frostbite. 

The key word is prevent. This won’t help heal any damage after it occurs. 

Cornstarch (Dollar Store)

This household staple can be used to help stop bleeding in minor wounds. 

Surgical Scalpel (Amazon)

If you get a hen that has bumblefoot, this is the easiest way to remove the abscess, often referred to as the “kernel”. 

Vetericyn (Atwoods)

This is a spray that can be used in wound care; it is safe to use around the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. 

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