Please, Please Help!

[Chickadee Salt]

My White Leghorn’s wattle is really swollen. I’ve been gone for two weeks on a vacation, and just got back. What’s happening to her wattle—how can I fix it?

 

[ChickNanny13]

Possible insect bite? Is she eating/drinking/pooping? Any other symptoms?

@casportpony @azygous @aart @Wyorp Rock @WVduckchick @Texas Kiki

 

[aart]

Possible insect bite? Is she eating/drinking/pooping? Any other symptoms?

Good questions.
Am thinking insect bite too.
Any idea how long it's been swollen?
Looks dark, almost like necrotic frostbite.
Is it warm or cool to the touch?

Also...
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.

 

[azygous]

I've dealt with frost bite tissue damage, but not something like this. The way the wattle is turning dark may point to something with venom that is able to destroy tissue, such as a wasp or venomous spider.

Your hen's behavior should let us know if her body is dealing with a simple insect bite or something of a highly toxic nature. If it's the latter, her appetite would be off, she would be lethargic, and otherwise behaving sickly.

If she's behaving normally, it's likely not something serious. You can try an antihistamine. You will need to buy some children's Benedryl. Do not try to give a chicken regular Benedryl. Give 1/2 ml every 24 hours, no more often. It's critical you follow this exact dosage and not overdose.

 

[Chickadee Salt]

Thanks everyone. It has been very hot here in California, and we do have some venomous spiders and wasps. Also, I checked on her again, and her other wattle is swelling—just a little bit. Otherwise she’s perfectly fine.

 

[aart]

I've dealt with frost bite tissue damage, but not something like this. The way the wattle is turning dark may point to something with venom that is able to destroy tissue, such as a wasp or venomous spider.

That's what I was thinking....necrosis by insect, not frostbite(obvs)

 

[azygous]

OMG! @aart !!!! You got the Educator badge!!! That is just so AWESOME! Way to go girl!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Congratulations @aart

 

[aart]

OMG! @aart !!!! You got the Educator badge!!! That is just so AWESOME! Way to go girl!

Just doing what I always do/done.

 

[Chickadee Salt]

Hi guys.
So today, I just checked on the hen, and both of her wattles are swollen now. They’re dark, which, like some of you said may be a sign of some sort of spider venom or a wasp sting. But why both wattles?
She’s still acting completely normal and isn’t experiencing any breathing issues.
Any ideas as to what’s going on?