Buff Orpington
Welcome to TropicalChicki!

TropicalChicki

Backyard Chicken Keeping for Happy, Healthy, and Friendly Chickens

Chicken Health, Chicken Keeping ·

Top 11 Chicken First Aid Kit Essentials to Have On Hand

Having supplies on hand when you need them can be invaluable. As chicken keepers we know that our chickens can get injured or need additional help from time to time just like any other animal. Here we will go over my top 11 chicken first aid kit essentials that I always want to have on hand.

Chicken First Aid Kit

In this post we will cover my favorite chicken first aid essentials along with some of the things that while I may not always have stocked, knowing where to get them quickly can be a great help.

Please note – I am not a veterinary expert and everything in this post is from my own experiences in keeping backyard chickens and dealing with different ailments and what I have needed to keep in my first aid kit. I encourage everyone to seek the advice of a vet when needed. If you are not sure of a chicken vet in your area, please see the Poultry DVM vet directory for the United States or if you are in Puerto Rico, check out my post on Vets who see Chickens in PR.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase something through one of these Amazon links, I may receive a commission (and if so, thank you for the support!). The opinions expressed in this review are solely based on my personal experiences and observations as a small backyard chicken keeper. I encourage readers to conduct their research and consider their individual circumstances before making any purchasing decisions. You can view my full private policy for more details.

Chicken Medicine List

Preparing a First Aid Kit for Your Flock

Having a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any chicken keeper. When I first got my chickens, I already had a basic kit from my days of keeping horses, and it sure came in handy. Over time, I’ve expanded it with items specifically for chickens, and I’ve learned that keeping it fully stocked is crucial. Living in Puerto Rico, it can take weeks for supplies to arrive, so when something happens, I want to treat it immediately, not wait for shipping.

If you’re in the U.S. with access to quicker shipping or stores like Tractor Supply, you might not need as comprehensive a kit. But for me, it’s especially important because during natural disasters—hurricanes, in particular—shipping or store pickups aren’t options.

Sick Chicken

Basic First Aid Kit Essentials

Here’s a detailed breakdown of essential items to include in your chicken first aid kit and why you need them. These supplies will help you be prepared for common injuries, illnesses, and conditions in your flock.

Basic First Aid Kit Essentials

1. Gloves
You’ll want a clean pair of disposable gloves for handling injuries or illnesses in your chickens. They help prevent the spread of bacteria and protect both you and your flock from contamination.

2. Vet Wrap
Vet Wrap is a flexible bandage that’s self-adhesive, making it perfect for wrapping injuries on chickens. It’s commonly used to secure bandages in place without sticking to feathers or skin. Use it for wound care, especially when treating bumblefoot or broken feathers.

3. Gauze Pads
Sterile gauze pads are essential for cleaning and dressing wounds. They can be used to absorb blood or fluids and protect injured areas from dirt and bacteria, helping to promote healing.

4. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a must-have for soaking chickens’ feet if they develop bumblefoot, a common bacterial infection. It helps reduce swelling and draws out infection, promoting faster recovery.

5. PRID – Drawing Salve for Bumblefoot
PRID is a drawing salve used for helping to treat bumblefoot by pulling out infection and promoting healing. It’s applied after soaking in Epsom salt to draw out the pus and reduce inflammation.

6. Vetricyn – For Cuts and Bumblefoot
Vetricyn is an excellent wound care spray. It’s safe to use on chickens for cuts, scrapes, and treating bumblefoot. It helps disinfect wounds and encourages tissue regeneration, speeding up the healing process.

7. BANNIX – For Bacterial or Fungal Infections
BANNIX is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial spray used for bacterial or fungal infections. It’s ideal for treating general injuries, abrasions, and even more serious infections in your chickens without the use of harsh chemicals. I’ve also been able to find this locally in PR.

Black Australorp

Vitamins and Treatments

I have had to use all of the following many times and would never be without at this point.

8. Nutri-Drench Chicken Vitamins
Nutri-Drench is a fast-acting liquid vitamin supplement that provides a nutrient boost when your chickens need it most. It’s especially useful for sick or weak chickens, new hatchlings, or hens recovering from illness or stress.

9. Rooster Booster – Vitamins for Water
Rooster Booster provides essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to your chickens’ water. It’s perfect for maintaining overall health, especially during stressful times like molting, illness, or extreme weather.

10. Electrolytes and Vitamin Supplement
This supplement replenishes vital electrolytes and vitamins, especially during hot weather, illness, or stress. It helps keep your chickens hydrated and boosts their immune system, preventing heat stress or weakness.

I’ve tried other brands and had issues with ants being attracted to the water or they smelled terrible. The sav-a-chik have been my favorite so far.

11. Corid – Treatment for Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a common and often deadly illness in chickens, especially in young chicks. Corid is an essential medication that treats and prevents coccidiosis. Since this disease can turn fatal quickly, it’s crucial to have Corid on hand to act fast.

I’m so glad I had this on hand. After our last hurricane came through and took down many trees outside my chicken coop, my chickens ended up being diagnosed through a fecal sample for coccidosis the next week. If I had to guess, I think this was due to stress as it was their first big storm they stayed in their coop for. If I hadn’t had this on hand it would have taken a few weeks to ship to me here in Puerto Rico, so I’m so glad I had this on hand.

Backyard Chickens

Other Items You May Need at Some Point

First Aid Items to Order As Needed

This isn’t to say you will need to have the following on hand before you need it, however it’s great to know where you can get something and what you would use if you were to get say worms or mites for example.

Aquasol – Dewormer with No Egg Withdrawal
Aquasol is a dewormer that doesn’t require you to discard your hens’ eggs during treatment. However, it’s important to get a fecal test from your vet to ensure this is the correct treatment for the specific worms affecting your flock.

Elector PSP – For Mites and Lice
Elector PSP is a powerful treatment for mites and lice, both common parasites in chickens. It’s safe to use on your flock and has no egg withdrawal period, making it a go-to for keeping infestations under control.

[ RELATED: How to Get Rid of Chicken Mites and Keep a Mite Free Zone ]

Having a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any chicken keeper. By being prepared, you can act quickly in emergencies or when illness strikes, helping to keep your chickens happy and healthy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2025 TropicalChicki