wart? infection?

[fishman65]

Just got some buffs a couple days ago, about 5-6 weeks old. I noticed one had a growth next to her eye that seems to be getting bigger. In the middle of the growth is a hard knot that looks like a piece of chick starter. it is a little squishy to touch. Anybody know what it is? she is eating and pooping normally. www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/28493_buff.jpg
www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/28493_buff_sick.jpg

 

[purpletree23]

My chicken anatomy could be wrong but it looks like something is growing out of her ear. Anyone else?

If it were my chicken I would clean the area with diluted betadine and gently 'prod' it to try to identify it. Hope others send their suggestions.

 

[fishman65]

i tried to squish it hoping it was a hard scab but it is hard as a rock. would not come off.

 

[chickenzoo]

Hummmm it does look like she has something stuck in her ear. Perhaps she had an ear infection and when it burst the puss hardened. Try hot compresses with epsom salt and water and see if it will soften or loosen up.

 

[purpletree23]

I agree with chickenzoo. Very interesting. A warm compress might help loosen it.

Keep us posted. I still have a lot to learn and this 'case' is interesting.

 

[fishman65]

update: well i used the warm compress for about 15 minutes and the hard knot was still hard as a rock. I used a pair of hemostats to try to move or break the hard knot but no dice, so i used them to crush the knot. It broke in half and i could'nt get out the last bit. the squishy swelling around the ear is not puss, i lanced it and it bleed a little but nothing hard or infected inside. I cleaned it out and put neosporin in it and put her back in the pen.
It is still growing and getting bigger. It almost looks like her ear drum is growing outside her head. She had no problem with me messing with it and she stood still like a trooper. so for now unless someone comes up with another idea i am just gonna see what happens.

 

[Nif]

It is still growing and getting bigger. It almost looks like her ear drum is growing outside her head. She had no problem with me messing with it and she stood still like a trooper. so for now unless someone comes up with another idea i am just gonna see what happens.

I'm a bit confused...after you crushed it, it is still growing and getting bigger?​

 

[fishman65]

No the hard part is not growing but the swelling pink part around the ear is getting bigger. I lanced it and it bleed a little but there was nothing in it. I am GUESSING it is a cyst or a soft tumor but i have no idea, only guessing.

 

[chickenzoo]

You could go to featherfanciers, to the forum section and ask Doc Peter Brown a question and post the pic. It may take a few days but he is very knowledgeable. I'd like to find out what that is too.

 

[Nif]

Could you take another pic now that you removed the hard piece?