Hen with growth on beak

[skkm]

Hello, . I'm new here. I have a Rhode Island red hen that is about 9 years old.
About a week ago I noticed a growth on her beak. It's quite big, dark in color and continues into her mouth. It's on the lower beak. I will try to post a picture. She has trouble eating. It was bleeding today. I'm wondering what it could be, is it contagious and is it treatable. I tried contacting the poultry specialist in my state but he is notoriously bad at responding.
She has a good appetite but has trouble. Don't know what her droppings look like. Would appreciate any info. I've had chickens for 10 years but have never seen anything like this.
Thank you,
Skkm .

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

@Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock

 

[skkm]

What is your message oldhenlikesdogs?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What is your message oldhenlikesdogs?

I was tagging more experienced folks than me. It looks similar to fowl pox, and even canker, but it also could be something like a tumor. I personally haven't seen anything quite like it, so hopefully others have a better idea for you.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I really don't know what that might be. I agree with @oldhenlikesdogs it could be canker, abscess, tumor or similar.

Let's see if @dawg53 or @Eggcessive have more ideas.

 

[dawg53]

If there's a bad odor coming from the mouth, it's canker.

 

[Eggcessive]

I haven’t seen anything like that, even in pictures. I agree that canker comes to mind, then cancer or an injury that has become abscessed. Canker or histomoniasis, is a protozoan infection that may cause yellowish to grey plaques in the beak of poultry. It is spread by pigeons and contaminated water. It is treated with metronidazole (FishZole, Flagyl) 250 mg daily given orally for 5 days. Disinfect all feeders with 10% bleach, and separate the sick bird from others since it is contagious.

 

[skkm]

Hello all,
Thanks so much for your replies.
I decided to take my chicken to a vet for a difinitive diagnosis. He said it was a tumor that is inoperable. It's not an abcess and not an infection. So I'm glad I went so I know what I'm dealing with. I'm going to let my hen live out the rest of her life as long as she can eat and drink.
Just wanted to let you all know and anyone else who might have the same thing.
Thanks again for your responses.
Skkm

 

[NaoRos]

Sorry to ask. How is your Rhode Island Red Now.

 

[dawg53]

Hello all,
Thanks so much for your replies.
I decided to take my chicken to a vet for a difinitive diagnosis. He said it was a tumor that is inoperable. It's not an abcess and not an infection. So I'm glad I went so I know what I'm dealing with. I'm going to let my hen live out the rest of her life as long as she can eat and drink.
Just wanted to let you all know and anyone else who might have the same thing.
Thanks again for your responses.
Skkm

I'm glad you took your hen to a vet and more importantly the vet knows about chickens, you are fortunate.
You've made a good decision by keeping her as long as she can eat and drink and it seems she's been able to do that. She is a survivor for sure.