swollen lump on face

[ejskipps]

Hello Everyone,

I have a black australorp who is 3+ years old and has developed a lump just under her eye. She was treated about 6 months ago with doxy for a respiratory infection. Besides the swollen lump she is active and feeding, like there is nothing wrong. I want to know if anyone knows what causes this, and if I should be concerned about flock health.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Eggcessive]

It looks a bit like a cyst or tumor. Is there any evidence of a peck mark or cut that could have become infected? Does it feel soft or firm?

 

[ejskipps]

The lump is firm, with a little give. There is no evidence of an injury. She has no labored breathing, her poops are nice and normal, and she is acting fine. I am going to keep an eye on it and try to compress it with warm water to see if that helps...

Just seems odd. Do chickens get inflamed feather follicles like people get for hair follicles?

 

[DRnNC]

Hi. I have a buff orpington that had the same thing. She also had a watery eye. I thought it was some sort pimple or infection, but it was as hard as a rock. It was about the size of a green pea. I got the bright idea to try and lance it and apply triple antibiotic cream. Only stringy blood came out. Once I brought blood, all the other hens started attacking her. I had to remove her and put her in a coop/run that only had a rooster in it. The cyst or tumor finally died up and fell off. She's fine now and back with all the other hens. With her age, I would just wait it out and hopefully it will go away.

 

[DRnNC]

Opps. Dried up

 

[Eggcessive]

The lump is firm, with a little give. There is no evidence of an injury. She has no labored breathing, her poops are nice and normal, and she is acting fine. I am going to keep an eye on it and try to compress it with warm water to see if that helps...

Just seems odd. Do chickens get inflamed feather follicles like people get for hair follicles?

Yes they can get ingrown feathers. You might want to do some warm compresses for 15-20 minutes a few times a day. Then try lancing the lump, and see if anything comes out when expressed or squeezed. Let us know what you find.