Violently scratching at head??????????

[dawg53]

I recommend that you put miconazole on it and see if it helps clear it up, should see improvement in a few days if it's favus. Here's a link with other ideas:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/454373/scaly-skin-on-face-otherwise-happy-and-healthy

 

[ChickPrincess]

I'll see what i can do about opening it up. Maybe its a nasty little sliver or something. I'll have to wait till morning though, I think all the handling stressed him out.

I really appreciate the input. I'll read up on Favus and see what I can find.

His skin looks almost like a psoriasis. Can chickens get that?

I was going to suggest a sliver. How about trying warm water compresses? Maybe with some epsom salt?

 

[Reurra]

Still no change.

The thing in the bump seems to be nothing, I cant find anything in it. that was a real trick to cut open without Stumpy waving his head around.

 

[Reurra]

So my DH was against me killing Stumpy. I swear my DH is Stumpy's guardian angel! He suggested giving him a bath to sooth his skin. So thats what i did. I made a bath of warm soapy water, plopped him in and gently massages his feathers. I then rinsed him in warm clear water.

He only has scratched a handful of times since. I also rubbed in aloe vera anti itch sun burn soothing stuff onto the back of his head. As I said, he is actually doing better!!??

So my DH comes to the rescue again! Stumpy is getting better!! So far!

 

[Reurra]

Nope i was wrong, he started one of his fits and it lasted about 15 minutes of constant scratching. I held hid claws away from his neck and rubbed down the back of his head neck and shoulders so that he would not tear the skin. Whatever this is, its really weird. I might have to euthanize after all. No other symptoms, just incessant scratching. None of the other cicks have any issues at all.

 

[Suzierd]

Can you take him to a vet?

 

[Reurra]

Unfortunately no, the nearest vet is over 400 miles away. At least the nearest one that can help chickens. none of the local guys will take him, they turned away Juicy when he was sick and told me they dont deal with poultry.

 

[terryg]

I wonder whether he doesn't have something embedded in there like a deer tick or a thorn. The onset and the scratching seems like there might be a specific irritant.

 

[ChickPrincess]

I wonder whether he doesn't have something embedded in there like a deer tick or a thorn. The onset and the scratching seems like there might be a specific irritant.

Is it possible to do a moist hot compress to try and draw it out if there is something in there? Leave it on good and warm for like 10 minutes.

 

[Chicks on DL]

Does anyone know if you can use black salve on a chicken? That will help smother, kill, and draw out anything in there but I don't know if it is safe for chickens but its safe for children.