swollen and scabby ear

[Arubachicken]

Hi,
I am new to raising chickens. I noticed yesterday that one of my chickens have a swollen and scabby ear. I cleaned it with hydrogen peroxide and put some neosporin on it. the chicken is running, eating and drinking normally. there is no mucus of any sort....
it doesnt seem to like when I touch it.
does this require a vet visit?
any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[hispoptart]

Can you post some pics so the ones with better knowledge can see it? Have you seen others pecking at her?

 

[Arubachicken]

Can you post some pics so the ones with better knowledge can see it? Have you seen others pecking at her?

sure! I will try to go catch her. 2 of them always play together and sometimes they will pack at each other. I have had them for about a month. they are still little. i let them free range a lot.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Pictures are very helpful. Ear infections can be caused from bacteria, viruses, fungus, and mite infestation. Usually, cleaning out the ear as you have done can take care of it, but I would keep at it. Respiratory infections sometimes will involve the ear, the sinuses, or the eyes, so look for drainage, head shaking, or facial swelling. Antibiotics sometimes might be needed, but most are orescription only, and the right one needs to be used.

 

[Arubachicken]

sure! I will try to go catch her. 2 of them always play together and sometimes they will pack at each other. I have had them for about a month. they are still little. i let them free range a lot.

 

[Eggcessive]

Here are a few good threads about ear infections, and look for the posts by @dawg53 :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/gunky-ears.630778/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ear-infection.767500/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...nfection-in-a-silkie-hen-graphic-pics.831156/

 

[hispoptart]

Oh dear poor baby, that thing is huge! @Eggcessive do you think that's an infection?

 

[Arubachicken]

Oh dear poor baby, that thing is huge! @Eggcessive do you think that's an infection?

he has also the other one ......I dont know if they are related

 

[Eggcessive]

Oh dear poor baby, that thing is huge! @Eggcessive do you think that's an infection?

Yes it looks like it. I would clean out the ear canal, and keep checking it daily. We don’t like to use antibiotics in chickens without a good reason, but if cleaning and getting the ear canal open doesn’t help, that might be something to think about. Vet care is great, but not always available or affordable.

 

[Eggcessive]

he has also the other one ......I dont know if they are related

Picture of the other one? Have hou looked for mites and lice on the skin?