Hen has large growth on back of head.

[BgBiG]

I found a few of my hens had dug out of their enclosure today. One of the girls has a large ballon like growth on the back side of her head that wasn't there or at least wasn't noticed in the past few days. She's about 2 years old and is still alert and acting normal in every other way. We have been dealing with some sort of lice/mite issue with our flock. I'm not sure if she could have injured herself digging under the fence(not my first thought), related to the mite or just some kind of tumor. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC? Does it feel soft and puffy like air under the skin from a leaking air sac, or is it firm like a tumor? Is there a scab under the feathers where it could have formed an abscess? An abscess might feel slightly firm or puffy with puss.

 

[BgBiG]

Welcome to BYC? Does it feel soft and puffy like air under the skin from a leaking air sac, or is it firm like a tumor? Is there a scab under the feathers where it could have formed an abscess? An abscess might feel slightly firm or puffy with puss.

I just pulled her off her roost to get a better look. It's hard and has something that looks like a scab of sorts. It seems like most of the feathers are puffed up around it and not laying normally because of this bump/scab.

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds like either an abscess or a tumor. In the morning, or perhaps tonight, you could try to lance it and squeeze it to see if you can express some pus. Pus can be firm and cheese-like in chickens. If no pus, it could be a tumor. Then put a bit of plain neosporin ointment on it. If a vet is possible, they could probably tell you which it is.