Hello!
This is Daniel. He is a cuckoo Marans/Barnyard cross. Daniel has been about 90% blind, from what I can tell, since he was a chicken. He must be 4 or 5 years old now. He lives inside, because my flock has always free ranged. Daniel gets so worked up, trying to fight with the other rooster(s), that he rubs his comb bloody, against the sides of his confinement. His comb used to have majestic points all along it, and stand up straight. After he really tore the front of it up, it healed smooth, and gradually curled over.
About two weeks ago, I was holding him, and discovered two things. He has ferocious lice! Also, he had two, round, yellow crusty spots, on the underside of his comb. We are in the process of moving, and I'm ashamed to say, his condition slipped my mind, completely. Then, having found a property that we have decided upon, I turned my attention back to my critters, about five days ago. I washed his face, comb, and wattles with dawn, and put coconut oil on them. When, after a couple of days, there was no improvement, I tried Vicks. It was as though I had poked a hornets nest. The condition, whatever it is, has exploded. Now, white circles, crusty squiggles, and even what looks like hairy mold, between his wattles! I have not yet addressed the lice, because I don't drive, and have no apple cider vinegar. I do have white vinegar, however. Can I use that? I can't believe that I don't know this already, but in the past I had used cat shampoo, until it apparently killed one of my chickens. I have not bathed one since. I still feel sick to think of it. If I put white vinegar in Dawn, will that work?
Then, regarding the comb, I have bought minonazole 4%. I have not yet used it, however, wanting the input of you folks, first.
I feel like the worst kind of neglectful chicken keeper. I adore Daniel, even though he amourously attacks my shoes. I want his life to be as happy as possible, and he must be miserable. I hope that you folks can share your insight with me. Thank you so much!
