Chicken comb issues

[aarendse182]

So just noticed this on my girl today. Googling has brought nothing that looks exactly like this. Any ideas?

 

[sourland]

Do an on site search on 'Favus' and see if that looks like what you are seeing. Hard to see what is going on in that picture, but it does look like a fungus infection.

 

[Isaac 0]

I agree with Sourland on it looking like Favus (Ringworm), or some sort of fungal infection. Favus is a fungal infection caused by the fungi Microsporum gallinae, the fungi predominantly colonizes the cephalic region of the bird's body. I have had good success using fungal vaginal creams for humans containing the ingredient Miconazole. An antiseptic such as Iodine might be able to be used effectively.

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/backyard-poultry/common-infectious-diseases-in-backyard-poultry#:~:text=Favus, or ringworm, also known,fowl, especially chickens and turkeys.

Looking at the picture, it appears her ear may be a bit swollen as well, could you examine it further, and post a few closer pictures? You may try dabbing Neosporin or an antibacterial ointment over the ear.

 

[aarendse182]

Here is a couple more photos. The first one I tried taking while holding her myself. The next ones I got some help so they are better.

 

[Eggcessive]

I was wondering if this might be a case of scaly face mites? I have only seen pictures of favus, and that usually appears to be a chaulky white fungus on the skin of the face and comb. A vet might be of help in diagnosing this. Scaly face mites (if you think that is what this is) can be treated with ivermectin pour on 5 mg per ml. Dosage ia 0.1 ml for every 2 pounds of weight, and repeat in 14 days. Vaseline can also be applied to the skin to smother the face mites.

If you think this is favus, an antifungal cream such as miconazole, monitstat, lotrimin, or clotrimazole may be applied to the skin every day. Here is some info about scaly face mites:
https://birdvetmelbourne.com/scaly-mites/

Here is a picture of favus:
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/-/me...comb_chicken_2_crop_high.jpg?thn=0&sc_lang=en

 

[Isaac 0]

I think Eggcessive may be onto something with the scaly face mites. I have only seen that in parrots, but it may be worth looking closer at the comb, and see if you're able to see any holes (tunnels) which is "sometimes" an indicator that is the problem as the scaly face mites are a type of burrowing mite.

In the end, it may be worth seeing a vet so samples can be taken off the comb, and looked at microscopically for evaluation of parasites, bacteria, fungi, yeast, etc. Favus appearing white, it could be due to another fungus/yeast. I was able to find an article on candidiasis Albicans strictly cultivating on a group of roosters comb.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17626496/