Black Wound Salve for Backyard Poultry

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Ducks, like any other living creature on the homestead, get hurt. I've built up quite the arsenal of first aid supplies over the years after dealing with all kinds of gnarly situations. Right alongside conventional medicinals, I also keep homemade balms and salves.

This is a topical recipe I created as an all purpose wound application. I use it on poultry (both chickens and geese) and even on myself at times. And it smells like lavender! It is safe for horses also.

Black Wound Salve for Backyard Poultry
Ingredients
1/2 cup unrefined coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon beeswax pellets, melted
2 teaspoons raw honey
2 tablespoons activated charcoal
2 tablespoons bentonite clay
20 drops lavender essential oil

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a heat-safe bowl. Stir until fully combined. Pour the mixture into salve containers such as a mason jar with a wide mouth. The salve will solidify as it cools. Allow to cool fully before securing the lid.

To use, simply scoop a small amount of the salve onto your fingers. Gently rub the salve onto the wound of the bird. Covering with a clean bandage is best to avoid melting salve during the warmer months. Repeat as needed. Discontinue use if irritation or reaction occurs.

Why these ingredients?

Coconut Oil
Moisturizes skin, creates a protective barrier against bacteria, reduces inflammation

Beeswax 
Reduces inflammation, fights infection, heals wounds (anti-bacterial and -viral)

Raw Honey
Contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and antifungal

Activated Charcoal 
Draws out bacteria and impurities

Bentonite Clay
Contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties while absorbing dirt and oil 

Lavender Essential Oil
Calming aromatherapy in addition to anti-inflammatory abilities
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