Growth on ears

[Gonzi]

Hi everyone, I am new to raising chickens and have a problem at the moment with one of them. I have 5 in total 1 Rhode Island Red, 2 Golden and 2 Black Bantams.
One of the Bantams has a growth on both ears that seems to be getting bigger. It is hot and hard to touch and I have tried bathing it with Saline.
All the chickens seemed to have stopped laying and I don't know if this is a coincidence or could somehow be related to the problem with the bantam. I am in Australia and the weather is getting warmer so my understanding is that egg production should increase Any advice is much appreciated! Thanks Gonzi

 

[chicmom]

I have NEVER seen anything like that. It look so painful I'm wondering if it goes clear though the chicen's head....How is the chicken behaving? I hate to say this, but you may have to cull.

 

[Eggcessive]

That is a bad ear infection in both ears. Your chicken really needs some good antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clavamox, or sulfa medications for the infection. You need to remove some of the crust off the side in the first picture--peroxide used only the first day or two may help by soaking and trying to get to the ear canal opening. Ear mites and respiratory diseases can cause those things. I'm sure it is very painful. You may need to see a vet as least to get antibiotics. Here is a similar thread showing how they got the dried pus out of the ear canal:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/831156/really-nasty-ear-infection-in-a-silkie-hen-graphic-pics
and another one:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/877544/bad-swollen-ear