HELP!!! My chickens ain’t getting any better?!?

[Angry chicken lady]

Welll where to start about a month ago I thought maybe because of the cold weather (I’m from the north) that maybe they got frost bite on their combs but I moved them inside under heat lamps they got a little better but still got black dots on them and now my beautiful girl red has a lump under her eye, it appeared outta nowhere.

 

[FowlProtector]

It sounds like you're dealing with a bit of a tough situation. Frostbite can sometimes cause black dots on a chicken's comb, but the lump under your chicken's eye could be something different. The lump could be a number of things, like an abscess, a cyst, or even something like a respiratory infection affecting the sinuses, which can lead to swelling around the eyes.
If it appeared suddenly and seems to be causing her discomfort, I’d suggest a few things:

1. Check for other signs: Is she showing any other symptoms, like changes in behavior, appetite, or discharge from her eye or nose? This could help rule in or out respiratory issues.
2. Inspect the lump closely: Feel if it's soft or hard, and check for any heat around it. A hard lump might suggest something more chronic, while a soft lump could be an abscess or infection.
3. Consult a vet: Given the lump's sudden appearance and the previous frostbite issues, it might be wise to have her examined by a vet, especially if it's growing or causing distress. They can take a closer look and maybe perform a test to rule out infections or other underlying issues.
4. Keep her warm and comfortable: Since you moved her inside with heat lamps before, make sure she's in a comfortable, quiet environment where she can rest. Stress can worsen health problems.

 

[FowlProtector]

Here are some tips to help address the situation with Red:

1. Warmth and Comfort:
   • Ensure she’s in a warm, draft-free environment, especially if the cold could be contributing to her health issues. Heat lamps are a good option, but make sure the temperature is stable and not too hot.
   • If you’re bringing her inside, make sure she has access to fresh water and food, and check that her bedding is clean and dry.
2. Examine the Lump:
   • Gently examine the lump. If it feels soft, it might be an abscess or infection. If it’s hard, it could be a cyst or something more serious.
   • If there’s any discharge from the lump or redness, this could indicate infection, and you should get her to a vet for treatment.
3. Monitor for Other Symptoms:
   • Look for other signs like sneezing, coughing, eye discharge, or lethargy, which could indicate a respiratory infection or sinus issues.
   • If she starts showing these symptoms, isolate her from the flock to prevent potential spread of illness.
4. Keep an Eye on the Comb:
   • Since frostbite can cause blackened spots, check the area around her comb and wattles regularly. If frostbite is suspected, gently apply a balm like petroleum jelly to prevent further damage. Be sure to avoid any harsh treatments or scrubbing on the affected area.
5. Hydration and Nutrition:
   • Make sure she’s drinking plenty of water, especially if she’s dealing with an infection or if she’s under stress from being inside.
   • Offer her high-quality feed with additional vitamins and electrolytes to support her immune system while she’s recovering.
6. Vet Visit:
   • If the lump doesn’t go away or seems to be causing her pain, it’s time for a vet visit. A vet can drain an abscess, examine the lump more closely, and run any necessary tests to determine the cause.
7. Prevent Future Issues:
   • Moving forward, consider providing extra care during the colder months, such as using a heat lamp in the coop, offering access to a sheltered area for warmth, and checking regularly for frostbite signs.
   • Regularly monitor for any lumps or unusual signs on your birds so you can address potential problems early.

I hope Red recovers soon! Let me know if you need more guidance or updates as things progress.

 

[Angry chicken lady]

Here are some tips to help address the situation with Red:

1. Warmth and Comfort:
   • Ensure she’s in a warm, draft-free environment, especially if the cold could be contributing to her health issues. Heat lamps are a good option, but make sure the temperature is stable and not too hot.
   • If you’re bringing her inside, make sure she has access to fresh water and food, and check that her bedding is clean and dry.
2. Examine the Lump:
   • Gently examine the lump. If it feels soft, it might be an abscess or infection. If it’s hard, it could be a cyst or something more serious.
   • If there’s any discharge from the lump or redness, this could indicate infection, and you should get her to a vet for treatment.
3. Monitor for Other Symptoms:
   • Look for other signs like sneezing, coughing, eye discharge, or lethargy, which could indicate a respiratory infection or sinus issues.
   • If she starts showing these symptoms, isolate her from the flock to prevent potential spread of illness.
4. Keep an Eye on the Comb:
   • Since frostbite can cause blackened spots, check the area around her comb and wattles regularly. If frostbite is suspected, gently apply a balm like petroleum jelly to prevent further damage. Be sure to avoid any harsh treatments or scrubbing on the affected area.
5. Hydration and Nutrition:
   • Make sure she’s drinking plenty of water, especially if she’s dealing with an infection or if she’s under stress from being inside.
   • Offer her high-quality feed with additional vitamins and electrolytes to support her immune system while she’s recovering.
6. Vet Visit:
   • If the lump doesn’t go away or seems to be causing her pain, it’s time for a vet visit. A vet can drain an abscess, examine the lump more closely, and run any necessary tests to determine the cause.
7. Prevent Future Issues:
   • Moving forward, consider providing extra care during the colder months, such as using a heat lamp in the coop, offering access to a sheltered area for warmth, and checking regularly for frostbite signs.
   • Regularly monitor for any lumps or unusual signs on your birds so you can address potential problems early.

I hope Red recovers soon! Let me know if you need more guidance or updates as things progress.

Thank you so much for the advice, I’m going to look for livestock vets near me to get her checked, till then I have her in her own 4by6 coop inside the barn with her own food and water and heat lamps, I ordered some antibiotics for her to mix in the water, could it be the leafs I use as bedding? Should I just use the standard wood chip shavings? Would it keep her warmer and dryer?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welll where to start about a month ago I thought maybe because of the cold weather (I’m from the north) that maybe they got frost bite on their combs but I moved them inside under heat lamps they got a little better but still got black dots on them and now my beautiful girl red has a lump under her eye, it appeared outta nowhere.

Welcome To BYC

Can you please post photos of her eye and the inside of her beak?

It looks like she may have Canker, but hard to tell. Is her ear clear of infection?

Thanks!

 

[Angry chicken lady]

Welcome To BYC

Can you please post photos of her eye and the inside of her beak?

It looks like she may have Canker, but hard to tell. Is her ear clear of infection?

Thanks!

View attachment 4043922

 

[Angry chicken lady]

I can’t get a picture of inside her beak(to hard to hold open and take pictures) but her beak in and out seems to be okay and she’s still eating well treats and their laying mash.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I can’t get a picture of inside her beak(to hard to hold open and take pictures) but her beak in and out seems to be okay and she’s still eating well treats and their laying mash.

You have physically picked her up, opened the beak and looked inside of it for any lesions, swelling, canker, etc.?
You have looked inside the ear?

Can you get someone to help hold her and take a look?

It sure does look like she has some material inside the beak and perhaps some infection in the ear...

 

[Angry chicken lady]

You have physically picked her up, opened the beak and looked inside of it for any lesions, swelling, canker, etc.?
You have looked inside the ear?

Can you get someone to help hold her and take a look?

It sure does look like she has some material inside the beak and perhaps some infection in the ear...



View attachment 4043998

 

[Eggcessive]

I agree that it looks like she could have canker from the swelling in the right side of her beak. Canker is a protozoan disease that really stinks, and causes yellow cheesy material. It is treated with metronidazole or Flagyl. Another possibility is a tumor.