Since we’ve gotten an influx of users in the Backyard Poultry Discord Server (a live chat for those who keep backyard poultry and other homestead related topics), we’ve also gotten an influx of questions in terms of injuries and illnesses. The question of what to include in a poultry/livestock first aid kit came up, and we compiled a list of things that should be in everyone’s kit. This is by no means a complete list, but it is a helpful place to start. The links are Amazon Affiliate links, brought to you by either myself or in collaboration with RK Homestead who are part of our Discord moderation team and worked as a Vet Tech. Note: We are not vets, if you are unsure about anything, make sure you contact a licensed veterinarian for advice before proceeding with treatment.
General First Aid Tools
For Illnesses and Digestive/Laying Issues
Common illnesses and digestive/laying issues. Note that oral antibiotics now need a vet prescription, while injectables do not. While off-label (such as antibiotics for aquariums at the pet store or Monistat for sourcrop) are available, use at your own risk.
Unflavored Pedialyte – Electrolyte option to replace fluids.
Unflavored Electrolyte Powder – Electrolyte option to replace fluids.
Save-a-Chick (Electrolyte plus Vitamins + Probiotics) – Electrolyte option to replace fluids with vitamins for vitamin deficiencies. Probiotics for digestive issues and for use after antibiotics.
Poly-vi-sol without Iron – Multivitamin option if you cannot find poultry specific ones. Can be found at the infant section of your local pharmacy.
Nutridrench Poultry – Multivitamin option for poultry.
Selenium – For the treatment of wry neck due to vitamin deficiencies.
Vitamin E – For the treatment of wry neck due to vitamin deficiencies.
Niacin – For neurological issues in waterfowl related to niacin deficiencies. Can be used prophylactically to prevent issues.
Activated Charcoal – For the ingestion of poison (or moldy food/botulism). This is a stopgap measure while you get them to a vet.
Petroleum Jelly – For lubrication during egg binding and prevention of frostbite on feet and combs. Also for use on frostbitten areas to prevent worsening condition.
Children’s Liquid Benadryl – Antihistamine swelling or other allergic reactions (bee stings.)
Corid (Liquid) – For treatment of Coccidosis.
Corid (Powder) – For treatment of Coccidosis.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Digestive prophylactic or for treatment of sour crop.
Epsom Salt – For soaking sprains and strains, egg binding, prolapses.
Tylan 50 (Injection) – Broad spectrum antibiotic.
Oxytetracycline (Injection) – Broad Spectrum Antibiotic.
Amoxy-Tyl – Broad Spectrum antibiotic.
Diatomaceous Earth – For treatment of mite, flea, or lice infestations.
Poultry Dust – Insecticide for treatment of parasite infestations.
Dewormer – For intestinal worms. Check how long you should not eat the eggs or meat to prevent taking in the dewormer. (Many do a standard 14 days.) Many dewormers are also worm specific, so be sure of what you have before using.
Neo Tricide – For Bumblefoot
Wound Care
The items listed below are for wound and injury care. The most important thing is to keep open wounds dry, clean, and prevent infections with the use of topical ointments. The topical ointments are not for deep wounds. It is also very important to understand that most poultry are attracted to blood and will make wounds worse, which is why isolating or using Blue Kote (which masks the wound color) is needed. There are a few antibacterial ointments listed, feel free to use the one available to you. Make sure they do NOT have pain reliever as that is toxic to many animals.
Blue Kote – Topical wound antiseptic spray. Turns the wound blue which prevents other poultry from picking.
Vetericyn – Cleans, flushes, moisturizes, and helps prevent potential infection in wounds, cuts, and abrasions.
Triple Antibiotic Ointment – Antibiotic ointment option. For use on shallow/surface wounds to prevent infection.
Bacitracin – Antibiotic ointment option. For use on shallow/surface wounds to prevent infection.
Neosporin – Antibiotic ointment option. For use on shallow/surface wounds to prevent infection.
Styptic Powder – Stops bleeding.
Hydrogen Peroxide – For cleaning wounds.
Sutures – For wounds that need suturing.
Super Glue – Split nails, beaks/bills. Use acetone/nail polish remover to remove.
Vet Wrap – Self adhesive bandages. Does not stick to fur/feathers.
Tefla Pads – Non-adhesive wound dressing.
Gauze – Wound dressing.
Hospital/Recovery/Isolation “Wing”
It’s important that injured or ill poultry be separated from their flock-mates to an area that is easily cleaned and away from the rest of your animals. This prevents contagions from spreading even more, provides the animal with a safe area to recuperate, be given food and water without competition, allow you to easily treat it, and prevents the other animals from picking on them and their wounds (which often happens in poultry.) The below list includes cleaning supplies you should consider keeping on hand to sterilize the space before and after using.
Small metal dog crate -A small crate (metal for easy sanitizing) to keep the animal from moving too much. It also allows you to catch and treat them more easily.
Ceramic Bulb – Heat source option for ill animals is very important as they may not be able to regulate their body temperature or keep it up to temp. Make sure there is a cool side and warm side so it can choose for it’s own comfort level. You can use ceramic bulbs, heat lamp bulbs, or a heating pad. Ceramic is helpful in that it does not give off light and therefore the animal can sleep at night. However, light might be wanted for young animals that much eat every few hours.
Heat Lamp Bulb – Heat source option for ill animals is very important as they may not be able to regulate their body temperature or keep it up to temp. Make sure there is a cool side and warm side so it can choose for it’s own comfort level. You can use ceramic bulbs, heat lamp bulbs, or a heating pad. Heat lamp bulbs give off light as well as heat.
Heat Lamp (no bulb) – Heat source for ill animals is very important as they may not be able to regulate their body temperature or keep it up to temp. Make sure there is a cool side and warm side so it can choose for it’s own comfort level. You can use ceramic bulbs, heat lamp bulbs, or a heating pad. Can be used with ceramic or heat lamp bulbs.
Heating Pad (Zoomed Medium) – Heat source option for ill animals is very important as they may not be able to regulate their body temperature or keep it up to temp. Make sure there is a cool side and warm side so it can choose for it’s own comfort level. You can use ceramic bulbs, heat lamp bulbs, or a heating pad. Provides heat from the bottom.
White Cleaning Vinegar – White Vinegar can be used as a cleaning agent that harmlessly breaks down.
Bleach – Disinfectant. Make sure you either rinse or allow the space to air dry after using cleaning solutions such as bleach, since poultry can be sensitive to it.
Spray Bottle – For an easier time cleaning.
Bio Security Equipment/Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Biosecurity is one of the most important aspects of poultry keeping, since there are infectious diseases that can wipe out entire flocks and render the land unusable for that animal for years due to it infecting the soil. There are also certain infectious diseases (such as listeriosis, salmonella, and e. coli) that can infect humans. Therefore having a good set of biosecurity equipment can help contain possible outbreaks as well as provide protection.
Gloves – When handling sick or injured animals, it is always good practice to use gloves as there are bacterias and parasites that can infect both poultry and humans. It also helps prevent cross contamination.
Goggles – Eye protection is important from both a preventing infection standpoint as well as preventing injury standpoint.
Face Shield – Face protection to prevent chemical, blood, and bacterial splashes.
Respirator – To prevent breathing in fumes, dust, or disease particles.
Respirator Cartridges – For use with a respirator, to be changed out frequently.
Disposable Masks – For use when caring for sick animals to maintain sterility.
Surgical Gown (Washable) – Help prevent splashes and clothing contamination, or bringing in contaminants.
Surgical Gown (Disposable) – Disposable gowns to prevent contamination of clothing, or bringing in contaminants.
Surgical Cap (Washable) – Prevent loose hair/dandruff from falling to eyes, face, and open wounds.
UV Sanitizer for Equipment