Interesting Predicament

[SueT]

I myself get an allergic reaction to ticks, but always treat for infection as well, just in case. It won't hurt to do both.

 

[RNPAULIE69]

You can Google how to remove a tick with a qtip..get at the base where it's embedded and make circular motions with the qtip around where it's attached. It should back out

 

[DaviJones]

It's probably already been resolved by now, but if I may recommend castor or mineral oil
I have plenty of cats and dogs who have had ticks and even a few ticks in myself and that's the method I use. It's natural and I think any oil would work, it clogs the air holes. Just apply a drop with a Q-tip and rub until it comes off. Oh and I agree with the antibiotics and disinfection, good idea

 

[Sunshine Flock]

I'm guessing he has an infection from the tick bite. I found one imbedded on me last night, and the bite site was painful all day today. Felt like a combination of a deep bruise and an insect sting. I use these little gadgets and after using it on myself, am convinced that it is an absolute must that every household have this or something similar in their first aid kit.

Ye gawds, thankful for the reminder to finally buy one of these gadgets, but so sorry for you and your darling hen.

I found a tick under my arm. It was really sore there and when I looked in the mirror, there the thing was. I removed him with tweezers and didn't get the head out and was "with tick head" for several days until the thing got absorb into my body or maybe crawled out on its own, although I guess a headless tick with only the head can't crawl.

Ticks are gnarly.

Would it make sense to pierce the abscess near the tick to drain and disinfect it and have better access to the head?

 

[Sunshine Flock]

I wanted to add that it kind of looks like the abscess or swelling has partially engulfed the tick's head.

 

[micstrachan]

Ticks need to be pulled straight back from their mouth parts, preferably with tweezers. Do not twist. Do not squeeze. Do not use heat or try to suffocate it. Any of these things can cause it regurgitate whatever disgusting etiological agents it may be carrying. Protect your hands while handling the tick. Lyme disease is caused by a spirochaete which can go straight through skin. I would treat with antiobiotics, too. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[MissNutmeg]

Hey thank you everyone for the helpful advice, I got the tick out head and all, , but now step 2: How do I get the swelling down? I read some stuff about bendryl and allergic reactions, but can it be infected? I can't afford a vet bill at the moment, so if it is infected how can I treat it at home?

 

[micstrachan]

Sorry; I have to defer to the more experienced people on antibiotic regimens. Maybe start with topical antibiotic ointment.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hey thank you everyone for the helpful advice, I got the tick out head and all, , but now step 2: How do I get the swelling down? I read some stuff about bendryl and allergic reactions, but can it be infected? I can't afford a vet bill at the moment, so if it is infected how can I treat it at home?

Try the Benadryl to see if that will help reduce the swelling. An allergic reaction can cause swelling, pain and tenderness. (This would be 1/2 of a 25mg Benadryl Tablet given orally not the Benadryl cream).

If you have any updated, clearer photos of the swelling, those may be helpful as well. Apply a little antibiotic ointment or vetericyn to the earlobe where the tick was.

Look under his neck and around his head just to make sure there are no more ticks.

Keep us posted.

 

[Sunshine Flock]

Can someone help me understand chicken ears?

I never thought I'd have cause to say those words ever.

The feather muffs aren't ears, then? It's the fleshy stuff down and further back? So there's an ear hole in there somewhere?

Anything we should know about chickens and ear safety when treating wounds?