Need advice regarding a lump on my 4 yr old batam Hamburgh

[Eggcessive]

Did he see any cells under a microscope? Did they try to squeeze anything out of it? Is it hard or soft, or does it seem like fluid? If it is a feather cyst, they can form an abscess, and their could be solid yellow pus inside it. Exploring it with a sterile needle and sterilizing the skin with disinfectant, can lead to finding an ingrown feather inside.

 

[Susan Hampshire]

He did stick a sterile needle into to get some if the inside of the lump and examined it under the microscope ... He said there was ’nothing only a little bit of pus’. He didn't squeeze it... It's quite hard...atm there is no infection. he said he could ’operate on it’ but wasn't sure how much it would cost! We had already said $38 for cytology and $44 for consult! So opted to wait and see... She eating well and behaving normally... I have isolated her to ensure Madge (the boss gal) doesn't pick at her wing. And to monitor her food intake eTc. Yesterday in addition to her normal pallets and scratch she had coconut organic yogurt mixed with chia seeds and garlic. Today her treats were blueberries, tomatoes and really worms. Tomorrow I plan to give her oatmeal, strawberries and banana. Then tuna on Tuesday! In fact all the gals are getting these treats as they are getting over a severe mount! I posted some pictures one of Black Betty in isolation and Madge, Tillie and Millie enjoying their yogurt treat.

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

Hi Aussie...the vet is not a Avian vet and thought it was an abscess. He took a sample with a syringe which didn’t show much. He didn’t believe it was infected so no antibiotics. So we are just leaving it be. ??? And to watch for. any signs of infection. I guess I will build her immunity up and hope for the best. I still think it's a feather cyst. I have some Scandinavian Pine Tar coming. I kept her in doors last night and now She’s outside but isolated from the other girls...especially Madge. I'm thinking of buying some vitamins etc any suggestions?

Well, if it was an ingrown hair on my body I'd be inclined to put drawing ointment on it overnight then "pop" it and dig out the hair. But I'm gross like that

If it is not bothering her and there is no "head" on it it's probably best to leave it alone.

Maybe do some research of your own so you know how it may develop and what to watch for?

Did you broach the subject of a feather cyst with the vet? What did they say about that idea? (ie how to treat one)

 

[Susan Hampshire]

Thanks Aussie... Yep I agree re ingrown hair lol.. But I guess a feather is larger and I guess cause more damage. At this stage there is no head (or mouth as it's been called). Yes I told the vet I thought it was a feather cyst...but he was not sure as the photo he was looking at had a ’mouth’ opening...however the one I saw on a turkey did not. She's eating well and behaving normally...i have ordered Scandinavian Pine tar antiseptic cream...found in my research... My vet also said he had antibiotics if it got infested but said the trouble is ’the large dosage you have to give to chickens’ :0. I did post some pics of her enjoying treats along with the other girls.

 

[Eggcessive]

Thanks for the update. I hope that it doesn’t come back. I would have done exactly as you have. Pine tar (also called stockholm tar in Europe) can be found in the horse aisle at most feed stores for around $10. It can also be helpful for any feather picking issues because of the strong odor and stickiness which chickens find a bit yucky to peck.