Light Sussex hen with hard red lump under beak

[Skyecosmos]

Hi, hoping someone might have dealt with something similar - I noticed a couple of days ago my hen was having trouble eating pellets (all the other hens seem fine).

On inspection I noticed this lump (see pic). She seems fine in herself and happy to eat porridge and soft foods that I'm feeling her separately, but this is obviously affecting her ability to swallow properly as usual. She also has a bit of saliva when she shakes her head. Her droppings were ok but a bit runny today.

Adopted, so don't know her age. Not able to take her to a vet.

I've given her banana and cinammon in the porridge and also some raw garlic. Also poultry spice powder. I don't think she is drinking so I've been giving her drops of water infused with thyme to hopefully help ease her throat if need be.

Ignore the bits around her beak - it's porridge mixed with dirt!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC


Can you get some photos of the inside of her beak?

 

[Skyecosmos]

Welcome To BYC


Can you get some photos of the inside of her beak?

Will try to tomorrow - too dark now! Is there anything particular I should be looking out for? Thanks

 

[Skyecosmos]

Will try to tomorrow - too dark now! Is there anything particular I should be looking out for? Thanks

And thank you for the welcome

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Will try to tomorrow - too dark now! Is there anything particular I should be looking out for? Thanks

Yes. See if there's any yellow or white pasty looking material inside her beak. Is her tongue there. The inside of a beak should look very similar to the image below. If it doesn't, then do your best to get some photos. Describe any odors, if there are any.

Photo Ref

 

[Skyecosmos]

Not great shot as really hard to get her to keep her mouth open Couldn't really see inside that easily either even without trying to take a photo....

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do you have someone that can hold her for you while you take a look?
Wrap her loosely in a towel to help capture her wings, then pull down on her wattles to help open the beak. She will struggle and fuss, but you aren't hurting her. It's important that you get a look to see if there's obstruction, a pus pocket under the tongue, canker, etc.

More how to photos plus a video in the thread linked - it may help you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...dications-to-all-poultry-and-waterfowl.73335/

 

[Skyecosmos]

I think this is better - looks like there might be something not great inside her mouth. Any ideas? Thanks for all your advice.

 

[Eggcessive]

Does that seem like a growth? Does any of it come out with a QTip probing? Is there a bad odor? It could be a tumor that is connected to the lump under her neck. Has this grown rapidly?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Does that seem like a growth? Does any of it come out with a QTip probing? Is there a bad odor? It could be a tumor that is connected to the lump under her neck. Has this grown rapidly?

Good questions.