pullet with a bump on head and acting withdrawn--HELP *PICS ADDED

[binza1979]

I have 6 pullets in the garage for now until they get big enough to go outside with the big girls.

I noticed yesterday that one of my wynadottes (6 weeks old) wasn't acting normally. She wouldn't join in when I approached with treats or fresh water.

Today she was all puffed up sitting in a corner away from everyone.

I picked her up and she did put up a pretty good fight. She did NOT want to be held. I noticed that she had two small bumps/growths on her head. She is currently getting a lot of new feathers on her head, but there is definitely a bump. She also really squawked when I tried to pet her crop.

I have isolated her. What could be wrong? What should I do?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[cochinGurl]

other than hanging back from the treats, is she eating and drinking normaly?

 

[binza1979]

Not that I have observed. I haven't seen her eat or drink in the last 24 hours, but I also haven't been keeping a super close eye on her. Should I move her inside with me?

 

[cochinGurl]

might be a good idea. keep a close eye on her for a while. when you touch the "bumps" do they seem tender? do they seem to be soft, or hard? try opening her mouth, and smell it. is there a foul or rotting oder?

 

[binza1979]

I'll bring her in to keep an eye on her and I'll update when I know more.

Thanks for the quick responses.

 

[cochinGurl]

no problem

 

[binza1979]

Should I be giving her grit at this age? She doesn't seem to want to eat. She is barely drinking.

 

[cochinGurl]

well, grit couldent hurt. heres a simple test to see if she is dehydrated. find a patch of skin and pinch it between youre fingers. if it snaps back imidietly, good sign, shes been drinking. the slower the skin goes back, the more dehydrated she is. if she goes with out drinking for to long, very carefully squirt some water into her mouth with a syringe. its not that hard, but i sugest you do a google search on the matter. i once had to feed a chicken blended up chicken feed water and leafy greens for 3 months strait! hope it doesnt come to having to force feed her.