Hen with white swelling around one eye

[dand1231]

My hen (Chuck-bo) has developed swelling around one of her eyes. It slowly has turned white/gray. She doesn't have any weeping or discharge from her eyes or nostrils. It doesn't seem to be getting worse, but after a week it isn't getting better Otherwise, she seems fine. All of the hens are free range and are fed laymash/scratch with occasional treats. Please take a look at the pictures and let me know if anyone has some information on this.

Thanks,
James

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

James and

I wish I had an answer for you. Is the lump hard or soft? If you open her beak - can you see the bump from the inside? Is she laying (she looks pale) and possibly molting?

 

[FrizzlesRule]

Could she have possibly got bit by something? She does look beautiful and healthy.

 

[dand1231]

Thanks for the input. To answer your questions: the swelling is soft, I haven't opened her beak to check (if it is really necessary, I will do it), some of the other hens are but I don't think that she is laying right now (we're in the midst of winter here in Utah). I don't think that she had been hit, but maybe pecked by one of the others. The other side isn't nearly as pale. I did notice tonight that she was scratching at her face. If necessary I can take her to a bird vet, but I just don't know how necessary it is because she seems normal. However, I would hate to have her suffer at all. Any suggestions?

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

How is she doing?

 

[dand1231]

Thank you for your concern.

Chuck's swelling seems to be going down and the whiteness is decreasing. As usual, she's behaving normally and eating well. However, I'm still at a loss as to what is going on, and I'm still interested in any suggestions.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I am glad she is doing well and the lump is reducing.


I have no clue what could have happened. Maybe a picking/pecking injury that the outer skin healed quick but a bit of gunk maybe was in the "wound" sealed up and then encapsulated. Maybe something got up her nostril and worked its way into her sinus? Just guessing.