A livestock First Aid-Kit
Now, when it comes to doctoring animals on the homestead, that can look very different from farm to farm as it depends on the animals, but the basic necessities to take care of the critters before the vet gets there are the same! Now, many of us have these items; however, they get used up, and it's not always on our mind to restock. This is a great gift as we all can use it… well, you know the saying you don’t need it until you NEED it, and when you do, it’s a lifesaver!
1. Container
You can use anything as a tool box... an old bucket, a backpack, a saddle bag, whatever fits the lifestyle of your homesteader! (for very large First Aid -Kits, suitcases are a great idea!)
∅Cost: $10-$50
2. Iodine
This is one of the best and most basic wound cleaners we use it from skin condition to hooves!
∅Cost: $12-$30
3. Vet Wrap
From a dog's paw to an abscess in my horse's hoof, vet wraps’ uses are endless, and when you need to bandage anything, this is the best go-to stuff!
∅Cost: $2.99-$5
4. Cotton gauze
These are great to clean a wound or to pack and
apply bandages. They do have washable wraps as well.
∅Cost: $10-$25
5. Stethoscope
From respiration rate to heart rates to monitoring gut sounds, these are lifesaving to have on the homestead. I don’t recommend getting a super expensive one. They work great but a cheaper one will get the job done!
∅Cost: $20-$80
6. Thermometer
Now, if you have ever been on any farm or homestead, you know one thing: you should always have two thermometers. One is for the people, and the other for the livestock – and you ask which is which before using it! All kidding aside, these are great to have around and can help you get information to communicate with your vet. I like digital, but the old fashions work great, too!
∅Cost: $8-$20
7. Gloves
A pack of sterile disposable gloves is great to have. This is one of those things not many people think to put int their first aid kit and as someone who has pulled theirs out a lot over the years, when you NEED gloves, you want gloves!
∅Cost: $20-$40
If you are making this first aid kit for your homesteader, feel free to add some human first aid supplies as well. I can tell you my animal's first aid kit is very well-equipped. As for the humans’… I have found the vet wrap and iodine get the job done for me too!
If you know your homesteader well, you can add animal-specific items as well. This was a gift I received a few years ago, and I have stolen the idea and gifted it to others. It's awesome. It's something we all need and use; it’s a good feeling to give someone something that is not only thoughtful but very practical as well!