Backyard Flock First-Aid Kit – Chickens and Potatoes

Please Note: Even the most prepared and experienced chicken keepers need help from their vet. If you are lucky enough to live in an area that has a Veterinarian that sees chickens ALWAYS consult them. What they have to say outweighs what you read on the internet.

Every backyard flock needs an emergency kit. Why? Because accidents/illnesses never happen at a convenient time. Tractor Supply is not open 24/7, and chicken supplies aren’t sold at every Walmart. You will thank yourself later if you take this step in preparing for disaster. Being prepared can save your chicken’s life when you are waiting on the vet, or if you do not have a vet in town that will see chickens.

What do I keep my first aid kit in?

The bin you keep your first aid kit will also double as a tub for your chickens! I have a medium sized Rubbermaid tub that I use for bathing, or soaking egg bound chickens. I have a basket that I place all of the first aid items in that can be easily removed if I need the tub! This is a life-saving item that is a must have for your first aid kit. Here is what I have for my chickens:

What is in my kit:

• Emergency binder. This has quick info for common situations and their symptoms, treatments, and dosages. I am not always home and it brings me peace to know my SO or house sitter has an easy reference.
• Vetricyn. It is my cure-all that I can apply to the flock, and my dogs. I have used it for many thing including injuries and fungus. All of the animals on the homestead benefit from Vetricyn.
• Ointment for wounds. Do not use human ointment with pain relief(lidocaine is toxic to birds). There are ointments specifically for animals that I would stick with.
• Corn starch I can never find bleed stop in the store so I started using this for sounds that were gushing.
• VetRx for a respiratory aid. I have never used it but it was recommended by many to keep in my kit!
• Nutridrench. I have used this with a chicken who was in shock after a hard egg laying bit.
• Calcium in the form of TUMS(I have crushed a bit of this up and gave it to my egg bound hens, only a little though!)
• KY Jelly (for egg bound hens)
• Gloves, some chicken illnesses can be passed between humans and chickens. (i.e bumblefoot is a staph infection that is contagious to us as well.)
• Epsom Salt for soaking injuries or egg-bound chickens.
• Electrolytes (bring sick chickens back to the light)
• VetWrap and Gauze
• Terramycin for eye issues
• Tweezers, scissors, dog nail clippers (for nails and beaks)
• Plastic Syringe for feeding or medication. Get a few! You can get them at Jeffers or TSC.
• Poultry Protector for lice/mite spray, and Elector PSP.
• Hydrocortisone cream (prolapsed vent)
• Monistat or the treatment Gail D. Outlines in the “bible”

Something I always have on hand.

The Chicken Health Handbook by Gail Damerow. It is a bible of all the things health related to chickens. You can find symptom, illness, and management topics in this book, and it will be invaluable to you when trying to determine illness and treatment options.