What minor wounds can I treat at home and when do I need to see the vet?
Small minor wounds can be looked at, at home. This means keeping them clean and dry and ensuring that other chickens are not pecking at the wound. Wounds and feather loss can be caused by injurious pecking by other birds. This can occur when normal foraging behaviours are not met, which can lead to cannibalism. It is important that your flock has sufficient environmental enrichment to keep them stimulated. Separating the injured hen may be beneficial until the wounds have begun to heal. Nettex Anti-Feather Pecking spray can help deter further pecking. If wounds appear infected, or are not healing, or your hen appears dull or ill, you should seek advice from your vet.
What should I have in my first aid kit?
Examining your chickens regularly can help to identify problems early. It can be useful to keep a first aid kit to hand to help deal with minor ailments, though if in doubt you should seek veterinary advice. Recommended products for your first aid kit include:
A wound care product such as Nettex Wound Care Spray to help clean minor wounds
A vitamin supplement such as Nettex Vit Boost Tonic to help support your chickens during times of stress.
A sanitiser spray such as Nettex Sanitiser and Egg Wash to clean any equipment.
An Anti-feather pecking spray such as Nettex Anti-Feather Pecking Spray to deter pecking and feather pulling.
An energy supplement such as Nettex Poultry Power Drops (previously known as Nutri-Drops) to support weak and lethargic chickens.