Growth on Chicks Neck

[Cream City Chick]

Hello,

I have a 3 1/2 week old Buff Brahma. I noticed shortly after she hatched - there was a small hard growth on her neck. It does not seem to bother her. The other chicks peck at it. The growth is hard (almost like beak or toenail material) and is continuing to grow as she grows. It feels like it goes deep into her neck - not superficial just in the skin.

There is a small area next to the growth that is moist and ulcerated. I am not sure if this is from the other chicks pecking or if its is starting to pull away from the skin on its own.

I thought at first perhaps it was a parasite (cuterebra or something) but these chicks have never been outside and I dont see it moving at all.

Any ideas what this is? Or, what to do about it.

I am trying to post some images but have never done this before....

Thanks!!!

Jodi

 

[LeBlackbird]

wow, that's Odd

I have no idea what it is...

 

[Cream City Chick]

Oh no -- thats not what I wanted to hear. The last thing I need is another "special" critter.

of course she is the most outgoing, friendly one of the bunch. I just hope this thing doesnt grow enough to compromise her trachea / esophagus or start to get infected.

 

[LeBlackbird]

your local Vet could probably Remove it, for a price

 

[MotherJean]

If you move it, tug on it, does she react like it's painful? It does look like (and it is possible) that it is hard keratin, like a beak or toenail - a genetic abnormality. These chicks are always a crap shoot. Some live relatively normal lives with their oddities, but most don't. It seems that many of them that do have an evident abnormality will also have others that we cannot see until a necropsy is done upon their death. Short of paying a vet to do surgery - if you can find one who's willing - you're left with two choices: taking care of a "special needs" chick for however long it survives, or cull. I'd have a hard time making that decision. I don't envy you.

 

[SimplySplendidSilkies]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=348633
Not sure if you both have the same problem but when I read your post I remembered reading this one a few days back. Maybe PM the OP of this thread. I honestly have no idea :~{

 

[Andi]

Sorry for the oddity (cute chick, tho), but welcome to BYC. Enjoy your upcoming adventures in chickenhood.

 

[Wynette]

Wow - that's just bizzare. I wonder if she ate something that then poked out of her neck..? But it sure does look like it sort of "belongs" there in an odd way (as if she was developed with this extra little appendage or whatever it is). If the other chicks are pecking at it, you should probably get some anti-peck so they will leave her alone, though, or you'll have even bigger problems than a little hard thing growing from her neck.

 

[Cream City Chick]

Thanks all for your input.

I think it definitely grew there and isnt some sort of a foreign body. I have an email out the person I bought the fertile eggs from. She doesnt seem to mind me picking at it any more/less than any other part of her body. I gave it a tug to see if it would slide out and its definitely attached.

I dont know about having any surgery performed. I am going to try to pick up some antipeck stuff (does anybody know what this stuff is called or if there is a particular kind that is the best). We will probably just keep her around unless she loses quality of life.

Thanks again and keep it comin' if there are additional ideas!!

Jodi

 

[SimplySplendidSilkies]

I personally use Blu Kote to cover any and every wound but it stains everything. The plus with Blu Kote is it is also an antiseptic. Here is a thread with a few ideas:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=27360.
Did you ever contact the other person with the chicken with the thing sticking out of it's neck?