Chicken Abscess

[Stephanie Smith]

Can anyone identify what this is? My friend got this chicken a week ago and this abscess has increased even since this picture and is now oozing. What type of home care can I provide? Can it survive?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @Stephanie Smith Welcome To BYC

Can you take her to a vet?

It looks like she has an ear infection. A few of the more common causes can be from insect bites, lice/mites, pecking wound/injury and respiratory illness.

Some people do treat themselves, instructions are in the links below.

Also check her over for any external parasites - if you see any, treat her with a permethrin based poultry dust or spray.

Hopefully if your friend already has an existing flock, she has this chicken in quarantine and has some bio-security measures in place.

Let us know how it goes.

EAR INFECTIONS
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/919235/ear-infection-in-rooster (POST#3)
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/831156/really-nasty-ear-infection-in-a-silkie-hen-graphic-pics