Question About Change In Wattle Color In One Of My Chickens

[Skipper81]

Looks like a circulation problem to me. Which could be alot if things. I would look for other symptoms. Your from South Carolina so it's not frostbite. His face is turning blue also so I would monitor breathing because it could be a lack of oxygen.

 

[JewelBirds]

It might be a reaction from a bug bite/sting? You could try giving Benadryl (not sure on dosage). The neck area does look swollen. Here's a link to a chicken with similar problem (solved with Benadryl): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/hen-with-swollen-wattles-and-neck.939516/

Either that or some diseases cause swelling in that area (like fowl cholera). Hopefully someone more experienced will chime in soon.

 

[RowanTheRed]

okay, under the beak and between the wattles is definitely swollen and her ears now look a bit bluish. she is still breathing alright and is alert and active in Ron's arms. I just gave her 0.5 ml of children's Benadryl. I am guessing that it needs to be given every 4 to 6 hours as the bottle says.

We went ahead and brought her inside for the night, hopefully she will stay stable and not get any worse.

As a side note I did remember that she is my chicken that likes to eat bees and wasps right out of the air! I did see some big bumble bees in the garden near their coop the other day. My guess is that she bit off more than she could chew!!

 

[JewelBirds]

I hope she does okay. I would be careful not to give too much of the Benadryl though. Maybe try using something cold to help with the swelling, being careful not to leave it on too long to prevent freezing the skin (use a dishcloth to go over whatever you may have on hand). Oh yeah, and check for the stinger just in case there is one (only honey bees leave one though).

 

[happyhens1972]

okay, under the beak and between the wattles is definitely swollen and her ears now look a bit bluish. she is still breathing alright and is alert and active in Ron's arms. I just gave her 0.5 ml of children's Benadryl. I am guessing that it needs to be given every 4 to 6 hours as the bottle says.

We went ahead and brought her inside for the night, hopefully she will stay stable and not get any worse.

As a side note I did remember that she is my chicken that likes to eat bees and wasps right out of the air! I did see some big bumble bees in the garden near their coop the other day. My guess is that she bit off more than she could chew!!

That might be the answer....a sting.....although the swelling looks very uniform for that but it's as good an answer as any. How does she look after the Benedryl? x

 

[RowanTheRed]

That might be the answer....a sting.....although the swelling looks very uniform for that but it's as good an answer as any. How does she look after the Benedryl? x

No stinger is noticeable or palpable. The swelling, although looks uniform, is actually a bit more on her right side. She has had benadryl three times now (the 3rd just now) the swelling under her chin is a bit better but the wattles are unchanged. The area feels very warm to the touch.

She us still acting normal and doesn't appears to have any respiratory effects from what ever is going on. I'm heading into work now but my other half will be home by 11 to check on her again.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Look into Fowl Cholera. This is a serious bacterial disease of poultry and in some states you or your vet is required to report all cases of Fowl Cholera to the authorities. A report to your state Department of Agriculture can result in your entire flock (under penalty of law) being forcibly euthanized. However I am unsure if that is the case with fowl cholera in South Carolina.

http://articles.extension.org/pages/38433/what-diseases-of-poultry-are-reportable

Another candidate is Fowl Influenza but I don't think that is true in your case.

 

[aart]

That is odd.
Neck between wattles does look a bit swollen....and nostrils look strange too.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

She us still acting normal and doesn't appears to have any respiratory effects from what ever is going on. I'm heading into work now but my other half will be home by 11 to check on her again.

Keep in mind, chickens are prey animals. They're going to do their best to act as normal as possible for as long as possible so as to avoid notice from predators. Any prey animal will behave this way; horses, sheep, cows...

 

[RowanTheRed]

I did look up fowl cholera last night. So far she has no nasal drainage, she is breathing normally through her nares. And her stool through the night and this morning is normal in appearance.

We are continuing to keep a close eye on her. Is hate to lose her, Shes such a friendly little chook