Swollen "Cheek"?? Is she okay?

[Pentatonchix]

Today has been really rainy today and when I brought Runt inside, I saw this swollen part on her cheek. It sticks out more than it looks and there are no feathers there. Is she okay? What should I do? I'm really worried... Thanks, PM

 

[Birdie mom]

It's doesn't seem swollen from what I can see. It looks like either another chicken pulled out a feather or two, or maybe the feathers got parted by the rain. I could be wrong, but that's just what it looks like in the picture.

 

[Pentatonchix]

Update: it's now on both cheeks...should I separate her? Sorry for the not so great photos...

Spoiler: photos of Runts cheeks (there are 7 of them)

 

[Myrshine]

She may have a fungal infection of her skin. Have you checked for any lice or mites? She also could be rubbing her head on something, causing feathers to rub off and the skin getting irritated.

 

[Pentatonchix]

She may have a fungal infection of her skin. Have you checked for any lice or mites? She also could be rubbing her head on something, causing feathers to rub off and the skin getting irritated.

Thank you! How would I search?

 

[Myrshine]

Thank you! How would I search?

Search for lice or mites?

 

[Pentatonchix]

Yes

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Update: it's now on both cheeks...should I separate her? Sorry for the not so great photos...

Spoiler: photos of Runts cheeks (there are 7 of them)

View attachment 2517500
View attachment 2517500View attachment 2517501View attachment 2517502View attachment 2517503View attachment 2517504View attachment 2517505View attachment 2517506View attachment 2517508

Look inside her beak just to make sure there's no canker or lesions.

To me, it looks like she's being picked at. From what I can tell by those close ups, it looks like there's intact feather shafts in the skin from broken feathers and her muff feathers looks worn like they've been picked at.

I've never had a muffed or bearded bird, but do see others report that it seems to attract unwanted attention - birds plucking at it.
If there's no lesions inside the beak, the Observe the interactions of your flock to see if she's getting picked on. Could be during roosting so take time to watch them all go to roost at night.