Hen with swelling on head, looking for advice please

[Jverlinden]

Hi, I could use some advice. One of my BLRW hens has a swelling on the back of her head. I think it may be infected. I have applied a warm wet towel but don’t see anything loosening up. I was wondering whether to leave alone or try to open it up. It’s been there at least a week and I applied blue kote when I first saw it. Regardless I’ll put blue kote on again before I put her back in the coop. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Eggcessive]

It looks like she has been pecked and feather picked on the back of her neck and head. Perhaps the swelling is from that trauma. Do you have a rooster who is grabbing her neck while mating (that can be normal behavior?) Or is there a hen who is picking on her? I would probably leave her with the flock, but separated in a wire dog crate with her own food and water for a few days to heal. Vetericyn or similar wound spray, and plain Triple Antibiotic Ointment can be applied to her head and neck.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Could be an abscess full of puss due to an injury.

 

[Jverlinden]

Yes they are all only 8 mo old and I think the rooster is still figuring things out. I have seen him grab them there. Thank you I will do as you suggest. I have Veterycin and I will get her set up in a cage in the coop.

 

[Jverlinden]

Thank you. If it doesn’t go down in a couple of days of separation I’ll see if I can get any infection out. It is squishy but I can’t see anything yet I could open up.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Thank you. If it doesn’t go down in a couple of days of separation I’ll see if I can get any infection out. It is squishy but I can’t see anything yet I could open up.

Sounds good. Once you cut an area of the bulge, you'll have to squeeze the infection out, since bird puss is cheese like.

 

[Eggcessive]

I tend to think that the swelling is just swelling, not an abscess, but hard to know for sure.

 

[Jverlinden]

I tend to think that the swelling is just swelling, not an abscess, but hard to know for sure.

I really hope it’s just swelling. She seems normal and active.