On this week’s Bawk Tawk live YouTube show and Podcast, I received a question regarding the top items I would suggest for new chicken keepers. Aside from the obvious (food, water, shelter), I also spoke about the importance of having a chicken first aid kit handy. Soon, I’ll be posting a video about my own Chicken First Aid Kit. But for now, I suggest doing a simple google search and checking out the top blogs for items to add to your kit (they are almost all the same).
I did talk about something in my first aid kit that not many folks suggest. I’m a long time user of homeopathy for myself and my family, which includes my beloved chickens. While I am not a licensed homeopath (or a veterinarian, for that matter), I have been practicing homeopathy for twenty-five years, and I’ve seen it work too many times to deny it’s credibility.
I have five homeopathic remedies that I would suggest for any beginner chicken keeper who is interested in this modality. I listed them in my live show and podcast, but in my nervousness (yep, it happens when I’m live LOL), I failed to mention what some of them are indicated for! Here they are WITH their indications listed. The numbers after the name indicate the potency you will want to use in most cases.
Aconite Napellus, 30c: Use for sudden fear or shock, sudden chill, trauma, or when illness comes on suddenly.
Antimonium Crudum, 30c: Use for a chicken with obvious respiratory issues, specifically if there is rattling in the nasal passages or chest.
Arnica Montana, 30c: Use for shock, injury, bruising, swelling, pain.
Arsenicum Album, 30c: Use for ease in dying, especially if the chicken is in distress.
Carbo Vegetabilis, 30c: Use this as a last resort if your chicken appears to be extremely ill, toes curled, and near death. Can also be used for some respiratory issues.
Gelsemium, 30c: Use for a chicken who seems to have “given up”, is lethargic, won’t eat, and is depressed.
I also want to mention something I didn’t include in my live show and podcast. It’s called PRID, and it’s a homeopathic drawing salve that I’ve heard from some reliable sources works great for bumblefoot. It’s a human-grade product that you can find on amazon and possibly your local Walmart.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You’ll notice that on the homeopathic vials, there will be other indications listed that may not match the ones I listed above. The companies that make homeopathics put a short list of indications on them, but any remedy has a number of uses, and it’s impossible to list them all on the vials.
As for dosing, I suggest placing one pellet into a small glass of water, then putting some of the water into a needle-less syringe. Give the chicken one dose by placing a few drops on the side of their beak and letting it drip into their mouth. Even if they are not actively drinking, if a drop gets into their mouth, that is a proper dose. Watch your chicken closely for improvement. You can dose again in a few hours and observe. If you see any change for the better, stop dosing and don’t dose again unless the chicken backslides. If the chicken gets worse or shows no improvement after a couple of doses, it’s probably not the right remedy. Stop dosing in that instance. <3
If you have a chicken that is very hard to handle, or you’re dosing your whole flock with a remedy, it’s okay to put a couple of pellets into their water, stir it a few times, and just let them get a dose every time they drink. This is especially fine if you are using cell salts, which are gentle remedies usually given in a very low potency. You wouldn’t want to do this if you are giving them a high potency (200c or above) without the help of a professional homeopath.
I know homeopathy isn’t for everyone, but I wanted to share what works for me. Is there something in your chicken first aid kit that you would like to share? Let me know in the comments!
Disclaimer Notice: The content of the Welcome to Chickenlandia YouTube Channel, website, blog, vlog, and all social media is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dependence on any information appearing on the Welcome to Chickenlandia YouTube Channel, website, blog, vlog, and social media sites is entirely at your own risk. Please do your own research and make your own informed decisions regarding the health of your chickens.
Don’t forget potato starch. It’s a blood coagulant that should be in every pet and livestock first aid kit.
Oooh cool! I usually include cornstarch for that reason but hadn’t considered potato starch!
As a retired Holistic Dr and now a new chicken mom I have wondered if homeopathy would work. This morning our large hen tore off her nail and it was bleeding. I began to spray a homeopathic remedy called 9-11 around her and on her nail. The bleeding immediately stopped. She is now separated from the rest of the chickens (she can see them) with her own fresh water and food and she is eating. It is really hard when our feathered friends get sick. (We had one choke last year and died in our arms) It was horrible. Thank you for being an authority on chickens!
What a great success story! Is the 9-1-1 kind of like Rescue Remedy? It sounds similar. <3
I have 3 Jersey Giants all with the nasal rattle and sneezing. I bought the Antimonium Crudum 30c as you suggested amd will try it this afternoon. The rest of my flock (in another location) is on probiotics as of the first sign of illness. So far no other bird has become sick. I prefer mot to use antibiotics. I am new to backyard chickens. I’ve had very healthy birds for over a year now so this concerns me. I’m tuned in to your channel now and will be looking forward to more tips. 😉
It’s so tough when they get sick. I hope this was helpful! <3
Did it work?
That’s really nice. I appreciate your skills. Thanks for sharing.
This is true and tested. Nice content. Thank you for stating facts!
Yes! Homeopathics work on animals, too! Same as humans. Joette Calabrese has some great podcasts and blogs on her website giving people’s experience healing their chickens (and other animals)
Hello! I am a new chicken mom and also a prior licensed veterinary technician and I never thought I’d be interested in homeopathy! You have intrigued me. I am just gathering supplies so I have them, most are on their way!!!! Just wondering if a capsule can go in a bowl of water for multiple birds to be drank at the same time if needed or if I always have to go one glass of water and use the syringe? I am trying to be prepared for the time I need to act fast! I appreciate all you do! On a side note, I knew I would love my chickens but I feel like I am obsessed with them haha!!! They are so much fun! Anywho- thank you!
Good Morning!! Just purchased the Antimonium Crudum, 30c. Wondering when you say small glass of water…..like a coffee cup or 1 cup or? LOL I have 3 of my chickens that sound like they have croup (and coughing)…so I know it’s respiratory.
Awesome would you know of any remedy to get rid of mites
Hi! Where do you get your homeopathic remedies from?
Thank you :)
This warms my heart! I’m a certified classical homeopath and just got my first flock of hens yesterday. I’m so excited to have found you and your beautiful support of homeopathy! I feel so lucky to have this incredible healing modality at the ready for any issues that arise with my hens and for all of your amazing chicken guidance! Thank you for spreading the word and sharing all your gems! ❤️Caroline