All Natural First Aid Kit for Chickens
Assembling a natural first aid kit for your chickens is easy if you raid your kitchen pantry and bathroom medicine cabinet.
It's important to have a basic first aid kit ready... just in case.
Hopefully you will never need them, but at least you'll be ready if you do.
I don't believe in using commercial antibiotics or medications not only for the hens' well-being, but also because we eat their eggs, so medicating chickens isn't optimal when thinking about then resuming eating their eggs.
Additionally, most medications and treatments recommended even by vets are not approved for use in poultry, and withdrawal periods (during which you shouldn't eat the eggs from a treated chicken) are often uncertain.
All Natural First Aid Kit for Chickens
But it's still important to assemble a first aid kit for any animal you raise, and chickens are no different. Fortunately, it's not only possible, but I believe, optimal to find all natural first aid items right in your kitchen or pantry.
I consider the items listed below essential to any chicken first aid kit.
They are all-natural and have no side effects or withdrawal periods when used as directed, but between them all, you should be equipped to treat nearly anything including predator attacks, respiratory issues, predators or heat stress.
Since many products used to treat poultry are not readily available locally, and many vets don't treat chickens, it is my recommendation to be prepared and keep these critical items stocked at all times - many of which you will find right in your kitchen, pantry, bathroom cabinet or at a local pharmacy.
In addition, I recommend several all natural commercial products that are good to keep on hand as well. With this basic first aid kit, you should be able to treat most chicken illnesses, injuries or other first aid issues.
We have never used a commercial medication, antibiotic or other chemical-based product on our hens and have never lost one to disease or illness, and the natural route is always my first choice anyway.
Scroll down to learn what each first aid kit item can be used for.
First Aid Kit Supplies
Kitchen/Pantry Items
Apple Cider Vinegar
Cayenne Powder
Coconut Oil
Cornstarch
Garlic/Garlic Juice
Honey
Molasses
Oregano/Oregano Oil
Pharmacy Items
Saline Solution
Commercial All Natural Products
Homemade
First Aid Applications
Activated Charcoal | Useful when given internally as a detoxifying agent in case of accidental poisoning, helps flush toxins and contains Vitamin K which aids in blood clotting. Mix into scrambled eggs, oats or some feed mixed with a little water for a reluctant patient
Anti-pick spray | Blue color applied topically to a raw spot, bare skin or superficial injury helps to keep other hens from picking on an injury or red, raw skin
Apple Cider Vinegar | Balances Ph, overall digestive and health support when added to the drinking water a couple of times a week. The traditional dose for preventive care is 1 Tablespoon per gallon of water which can be increased to 4 Tablespoons per gallon of water for a sick chicken
Backyard Chicken Zyfend | All natural preventive wormer that helps flush internal parasites when taken internally
Brewers Yeast with Garlic | Supports immune and respiratory health, can be added to daily feed to help boost the immune system
Cayenne Powder | Stops bleeding of wounds when applied topically. When ingested, cayenne powder improves circulation which is thought to help prevent frostbite. Also can be used internally to treat for shock by adding several teaspoons to a cup of water
Garlic/Garlic Juice | Natural remedy for mites and other external parasites when taken internally on a regular basis. Biting parasites don't like the taste of garlic-tainted blood. However, will not make your hens' eggs taste like garlic!
Honey | Antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal with natural healing properties when applied topically. Can be used in place of sugar in water for new baby chicks or other ailing birds
Kochi-Free | Organic and all natural, helps rid the body of the coccidiosis parasite when taken internally
Molasses | Detoxifying agent in case of poisoning or botulism, also provides vitamins and minerals to boost ailing hen when offered free-choice to be taken internally or mixed into feed or a favorite treat. Too much can cause diarrhea, but molasses works well to flush the body of toxins
Nutri-Drench | Molasses-based liquid packed with nutrients helps correct vitamin deficiencies, improve appetites in sick hens and increase response to other treatments when taken internally
Oregano/Oregano Oil | Natural antibiotic which can be offered fresh or dried free-choice, or a few drops of oregano oil can be added to the drinking water to provide immune support.
Poultry Probiotics | Improves digestive health, boosts good bacteria in the gut when taken internally on a regular basis
Poultry VetRx | Camphor-based formula used to treat respiratory ailments when taken intnerally. Also used topically to treat scaly leg mites and eye worm
Saline Solution | Used to rinse wounds or debris from eyes
Fresh Eggs Daily Herbal Salve | All-natural topical salve for minor cuts or scrapes, also helps treat frostbite and bumblefoot
These items, along with some gauze pads, scalpel, eye dropper, tweezers, a small pair of scissors and vet wrap or first aid tape will ensure you are prepared.
For a complete, more comprehensive list of all the items to consider for your chicken first aid kit, as well as some non-natural supplies, click HERE.
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