Please say I’m crazy

[Leelee429]

The last day or two I’ve noticed our barred rock chick (about 5-6 weeks old) develop reddish knots on his/her cheek area. Is this normal??

 

[MissChick@dee]

I cannot know for sure. To me those look like the ears. The photo gets blurry when I zoom in. The ear lobes can become more prominent as the chick matures. The waddles and combs also become more noticeable.
If you could get an extreme close up it would be easier to see. Best wishes

 

[Leelee429]

I cannot know for sure. To me those look like the ears. The photo gets blurry when I zoom in. The ear lobes can become more prominent as the chick matures. The waddles and combs also become more noticeable.
If you could get an extreme close up it would be easier to see. Best wishes

Is this any better?

 

[ChickNanny13]

When you say "knots" is it a lump, or a bald spot?
Looks to be a lump to me, feel if it's squishy or hard?
Have you checked in it mouth, if there's any irritation?
How many chicks do you have, is this the only one with the "knot"?
Is there anything in their brooder that can cause injury?

 

[Leelee429]

When you say "knots" is it a lump, or a bald spot?
Looks to be a lump to me, feel if it's squishy or hard?
Have you checked in it mouth, if there's any irritation?
How many chicks do you have, is this the only one with the "knot"?
Is there anything in their brooder that can cause injury?

It’s sorta like a lump, we have 5 total, haven’t noticed the others having it, but they’re all different breeds. We have been letting them out in the coop/run during the day for the past week, so they’ve had access to grass and bugs etc. Seems the same on both sides so I assume it’s just the ears or wattle possibly? I’m new to this so I’m worried. Haven’t checked her mouth yet, wasn’t sure how to go about that.

 

[Eggcessive]

Looks like earlobes. Do you see the tuft of feathers above them where the ears are? Here is an a
Example:

 

[Eggcessive]

And another:

 

[Leelee429]

Looks like earlobes. Do you see the tuft of feathers above them where the ears are? Here is an a
Example:
View attachment 1712227

Ok that’s what I was hoping it was but wanted to make sure. Seemed weird how fast it changed, does that make a difference in sex? I’m still not sure of the sex.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Thinking that chick is a cockerel

 

[Leelee429]

Thinking that chick is a cockerel

I was afraid of that. He/she is so sweet and docile and doesn’t mind being held. I really don’t want to have to get rid of it because we aren’t ready for a rooster.