Create A Chicken First Aid Kit
Even the best cared for chickens in the most ideal circumstances possible will likely become injured or ill at some point in their life. While some incidents may require the help of a veterinary professional, many conditions can be treated at home if you choose to do so. If you haven’t already, be sure to acquire at least one beginner chicken care guide book. It’s important to be able to access information about chickens offline and many guidebooks also include helpful first aid care tips and illustrations.
*Disclaimer, I am not a livestock veterinary professional. Any advice or information here is for enrichment and educational purposes only, it is not substitute for professional or emergency veterinary services of any kind. *I am not officially associated with any of the poultry care products mentioned here.*
Finding a veterinarian with the willingness and expertise to treat chickens can be challenging. The vast majority of chickens will never receive any veterinary care in their lifetime. Broiler meat chickens are slaughtered at 8 weeks old and egg layers in the industrial food system are slaughtered at 2 years old or less, depending upon when they are considered no longer at the height of their production as a valuable commodity. Since chickens are viewed as a commodity many will receive little if any veterinary care and are considered replaceable. To find a veterinarian who treats chickens in your area, you can do an internet search at Poultry DVM for veterinary providers in your area. You can also contact a local veterinary school for information. Local backyard chicken groups, chicken forums, and veterinarians that treat exotic birds may also provide additional information. If you’re able to find a veterinarian willing to treat chickens have their information on hand in case of questions. Chicken illnesses can progress quickly.
You’ve heard the saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That is extremely true when it comes to chickens and their care. Adequate space, proper adequate nutrition, fresh water, safe infrastructure and housing, and dry, sanitary conditions will prevent the vast majority of potential issues you may face within your flock. If you find yourself treating an outbreak or a rash of injuries repeatedly, it is time to examine your environment and your care practices further to improve the health and safety of your flock.
Flock dynamic and pecking order, which is the social structure of the flock, may hide and obscure injuries and illness until the issue has become severe. By nature, chickens are hardy and stoic animals and may show no symptoms until a situation has become dire. Chickens will also obscure their own symptoms so they don’t become victim to inter-flock bullying or lose their status within the pecking order. Mindfully observing your chickens for even just a few minutes a day on a daily basis can help catch injuries and illness before the worsen or spread within your flock.
Signs of an injured or ill chicken include but are not limited to things like: respiratory distress, isolating from the flock, extreme lethargy, loss of appetite, limping, hunched or penguin-like posture, signs of infestation like visible bugs, unexplained feather loss, signs of blood, lost or raised scales on their legs and feet, signs of congestion, a vent caked with droppings or discharge, lesions, cuts, abrasions, or other issues.
Have an isolation plan. Depending on the severity of the injury or illness it may be necessary to isolate your chicken in order to treat them. I have adapted a dog pen for this purpose. I line the dog pen with puppy pads and provide food, water, and grit to any chicken in isolation. This isolation plan is only a short-term plan. It is not adequate for long term isolation. Isolation from the flock in itself is form a stress for chickens so understand even if it is medically necessitated for the situation it will be difficult for your chicken and for you. If you’re transitioning your chicken from inside to outside or vice versa in more than a 20-degree temperature difference they will need to be transitioned slowly so they don’t die from temperature shock. Drastic changes in temperature too abruptly can harm or kill your chicken. Removing your chicken from the flock for any period of time will disrupt the flock structure but in some cases this is unavoidable. Be aware when your chicken is well and ready to reintegrate this may take time and their place within the flock will need to be reestablished.
Building your chicken first aid kit can take time. You can buy the supplies one piece at a time. Many of these can be found at discount stores and many will also have double use for people too because they’re just pragmatic supplies to have on hand. Choose a container, basket, or box to hold your supplies.
Useful supplies to include in your chicken first aid kit are:
A poultry safe hydration packet. These are available at farm box stores and online. These are good to help recovering chickens stay hydrated during times of stress.
A probiotic hydration packet. This can be helpful when dealing with crop issues and after treating with medicines to help restore normal digestion. Plain Greek yogurt and honey can also be helpful.
Castile soap. All-natural castile soap is safe to wash delicate chicken feathers and skin as well as clean wounds.
A small plastic utility tub or bucket. This can be used to wash chickens and also as part of the soaking treatment for conditions like prolapse or bumblefoot.
Epsom salt. Used in combination with the utility tub to provide mild disinfection, swelling, and pain relief.
Livestock safe wound spray. This can be found at farm box stores and online. I use one called Blu-Kote. *I am not officially associated with this product or any products mentioned here in any way.
Livestock safe respiratory aid. This can be added to chicken water, applied directly to their beak, or added to treats. I use one called Vet-Rx.
Vet wrap or muscle first aid flexible bandage wrap. For leg and feet injuries. Chicken scales and skin are extremely sensitive. Any bandages applied will need to be checked daily.
Gauze. To cover severe injuries.
Scissors. For removing bandages and wrapping.
Syringes. Small plunge style syringes can help clean wounds or to assist with the application of medicine.
Styptic powder. Corn starch can be used as an emergency alternative. Styptic powder aids clotting and stops bleeding.
Antibiotic cream without pain relief. For treating minor wounds.
Pet nail clippers. For trimming overgrown or injured nails. Remember chicken nails are like dog nails. They have a quick. Always trim very conservatively so you don’t accidentally harm your chicken.
Peck-no-more style lotion or spray. This is a colored lotion to prevent wound pecking or feather pecking.
Disposable plastic gloves. To protect your hands from stains and germs also to protect your chicken from infection.
Poultry safe skin ointment. I use one called Hen Healer. This is great for minor abrasions and dry skin.
Vaseline petroleum product. It doesn’t matter what brand. This can be used for minor abrasions, dry skin, and also it smothers mites.
This is a very basic list of supplies to help you prepare for many mild chicken ailments and injuries. Every flock is different. As you grow in various kinds of experiences you will likely add additional supplies that are especially useful to your flock situation. I hope this was a helpful starting point for your research to assemble your own chicken first aid kit.
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Chuck and the Chicks 