Large scabs/crusts with fatty tissue/secretion on chicken skin

[mercuhrio]

Anyone please help me figure out what this is (see pics below)? I'm sure it's not uncommon, but it's hard to steer the search results away from more common conditions. I had removed this kind of "scab" from this rooster when he was 3 mo, and I thought it was just some skin inflammation as result of dirt getting stuck between the feathers. Four months later (yesterday) I picked him up and couldn't believe what I saw. The same scabs had come back, but we're grotesquely large. I ran warm water on them for 30 minutes and they easily detached, leaving behind a pink skin (just like when a scab is removed) but also some fatty tissue or secretion around it. This is the only case in a flock of 38, so it doesn't seem to be a communicable disease. Also, Mr. Junior, the rooster, goes about his day seemingly unaffected by the crusts, very active.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Anyone please help me figure out what this is (see pics below)? I'm sure it's not uncommon, but it's hard to steer the search results away from more common conditions. I had removed this kind of "scab" from this rooster when he was 3 mo, and I thought it was just some skin inflammation as result of dirt getting stuck between the feathers. Four months later (yesterday) I picked him up and couldn't believe what I saw. The same scabs had come back, but we're grotesquely large. I ran warm water on them for 30 minutes and they easily detached, leaving behind a pink skin (just like when a scab is removed) but also some fatty tissue or secretion around it. This is the only case in a flock of 38, so it doesn't seem to be a communicable disease. Also, Mr. Junior, the rooster, goes about his day seemingly unaffected by the crusts, very active.

Those look like crusts from healing. Looks like it may have a slight infection going on. I'd keep it clean, & moist until fully healed up.

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you have another rooster who might be pecking him and causing abscesses? They look like yellow pus-filled abscesses or possibly ingrown feather cysts.

 

[mercuhrio]

Do you have another rooster who might be pecking him and causing abscesses? They look like yellow pus-filled abscesses or possibly ingrown feather cysts.

He's the only rooster and all hens are smaller in size and submissive to him, definitely not an aggression issue. The feather cysts suggestion makes sense. The recurrence and amount suggests this rooster is prone to this problem? Today I cleaned an area of about three square inches, and I can see the scabs growing in other spots, 1/8" in diameter. Thanks for sharing the insights.

 

[Pbcup23]

Hi! Did you ever find a definite cause for the scabs? Have a duck with several that look just the same!

 

[Lassitgal]

He's the only rooster and all hens are smaller in size and submissive to him, definitely not an aggression issue. The feather cysts suggestion makes sense. The recurrence and amount suggests this rooster is prone to this problem? Today I cleaned an area of about three square inches, and I can see the scabs growing in other spots, 1/8" in diameter. Thanks for sharing the insights.

 

[Lassitgal]

He's the only rooster and all hens are smaller in size and submissive to him, definitely not an aggression issue. The feather cysts suggestion makes sense. The recurrence and amount suggests this rooster is prone to this problem? Today I cleaned an area of about three square inches, and I can see the scabs growing in other spots, 1/8" in diameter. Thanks for sharing the insights.

My rooster has the same issue! Been going on for six weeks. We treated with an antibiotic for possible yeast infection, then a week later ivermectin for possible mites… now he is covered in scabs all over. Would love to know if your bird recovered.

 

[MysteryChicken]

My rooster has the same issue! Been going on for six weeks. We treated with an antibiotic for possible yeast infection, then a week later ivermectin for possible mites… now he is covered in scabs all over.

Antibiotics don't treat yeast, which is a fungus.

 

[Eggcessive]

My rooster has the same issue! Been going on for six weeks. We treated with an antibiotic for possible yeast infection, then a week later ivermectin for possible mites… now he is covered in scabs all over. Would love to know if your bird recovered.

Do you have any pictures of what you are seeing? You could always start a new thread so we don’t get everyone mixed up.

 

[CrystalAnon]

Antibiotics don't treat yeast, which is a fungus.

Exactly. In fact, antibiotics kills good bacteria as well as bad… so it can help yeast (fungus) grow unchecked.