What I Keep In My First Aid Kit
Recently, I presented an evening seminar on Chicken Keeping for Beginners at? the feed store.? The attendance was great and the evening went well. I was impressed with the questions that the attendees had and everyone learned from each other as much as from my presentation.? It was one of those community events that make you proud and happy to be part of the neighborhood.
One part of my presentation focused on the items I keep handy at our farm, for emergencies with the animals.? I listed the items and explained some of the things that may have been unfamiliar to the group.
I began to think about posting this information here, as a reference.
Saline Solution– for cleaning and irrigating a wound so you can assess the situation
Vertricyn or Banixx sprays-? These products are antibacterial wound sprays.? I have had much success using them in the past, so I like to keep them around
Hydrogen Peroxide
Gauze Pads or roll of gauze
Tweezers
Iodine/Betadine solution
Syringe– for giving oral meds or even yogurt.?
Corn Starch or Wonder Dust- whether you accidentally nick the sheep when shearing or clip a toe too short, this will stop the bleeding quickly.? Usually these wounds are superficial but to keep flies off and let a scab form, pack some corn starch on the area.? 
Neosporin– a MUST HAVE!
Cotton swabs/ Q-tips
Blue Kote-? is an antiseptic aerosol or pump spray that colors the wound dark blue.? Birds will peck at an open wound that shows red.? This camouflages the wound, giving the animal time to heal without becoming a target of more aggressive animals or chickens
Paper Towels
Vaseline
Electrolytes Powder– good to have on hand just in case.? Sometimes it’s all that is needed to perk up an ailing animal
Nutra drench products? Rich in vitamins and energy, nutra drench makes a specific product for most types of livestock.? I like to have it on hand, as a “it can’t hurt” type of product.
Vet wrap- I love this cohesive bandage for wrapping leg or foot wounds.? It sticks to itself, making it easier to wrap a wound.? For the ducks, I often use electric tape to hold the vet wrap in place longer, since ducks are so prone to stay wet and messy
Electric tape – see above
Old towels
Sharp Scissors
Flash Light
Another good tip, have some of your animal’s favorite treat on hand.? As long as the animal is not in respiratory distress or shock, it will help you catch a wounded or scared animal if you have a favorite treat in your hand.
Most of these items are readily available from your local
drug store.? Having these things in your feed room or supply area,? can save you much stress when an emergency occurs.? It can save you a vet call, if you are prepared and have accumulated a bit of knowledge about what to do with superficial wounds and ailments common to our livestock and pets. Grab a sturdy box or plastic tote and assemble your own first aid kit for your homestead.? You will be glad you did if an emergency happens.?
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Such good information for beginners! Thank you!
Even those of us that have had animals for a lifetime can learn from this information – thanks for putting it all together! I have many of these items but need to put them in one easy-to-access location! And, try to keep my 7-year old out of it!
First aid kits provide us easy access in providing first aid treatment for minor injuries and accidents. Basic first aid kits are most common for household use.
First Aid Kits
My pekin duck was attacked by something last night. I large chunk out of his back between his wings. He is up & walking some. I bathed him in warm water & Epsom salt. What else can I do. Also, I have Baytril pills, do you know dosage & how to admininster?
I am so sorry to hear about your duck. Poor baby. I would first isolate him from the flock so the others don’t pick on him or play too rough. Wounds can heal if treated properly. So you have washed the wounds so that is step one. Is the bleeding controlled? The next steps would be to keep him warm and dry. If he is feeling poorly he won’t preen and the oil won’t be distributed on his feathers so he won’t be waterproof like he usually is. He may need a heat lamp if he is outside.
my favorite antiseptic spray is vetrycin. If you can’t get a hold of some today then I would use neosporin ointment for now. I usually use a combination of the two on wounds. Spray with the vetrycin and then glob on some neosporin and wrap the wound in gauze and secure with vet wrap. You are welcome to email me at garmanjanet@gmail if you need further support. I am not a vet so I do not know the dosage or indication for using baytril.
can you use human electrolytes? Its cheaper (I think) than getting the animal.
Honestly Stephanie I hadn’t thought about it. I know there are recipes on the web for make your own electrolytes for poultry too. I thing the important thing is to get the right proportion of salts, minerals and fluid