Wasp stung hens wattle, swelling gradually worsening

[Two toes]

I saw it happen, it happened 7-8 hrs ago at the time of writing this and it seems to be gradually getting worse, there was no swelling initially but it appeared over time. She is eating and drinking fine, no coughing, wheezing, struggling to breath etc. Occasionally shakes head. Below are pictures of the swelling, (our left side).Swelling spreads onto throat a little as well. How do you treat something like this? How long does it take for the swelling to stop and subside? Please help, thanks

 

[azygous]

Wasps and mosquitos. It's hard to justify them existing, the misery they cause.

Get some children's benedryl. Give her 1/2 ml. Wait a full 24 hours before giving any more.

 

[Two toes]

Wasps and mosquitos. It's hard to justify them existing, the misery they cause.

Get some children's benedryl. Give her 1/2 ml. Wait a full 24 hours before giving any more.

Isn't benedryl an allergy medication? For now it doesn't look overly severe, I should probably wait and see till tomorrow

 

[azygous]

Yes, it is an allergy med. It will reduce the swelling and pain and itching.

Hydrocortisone cream will accomplish the same thing if you have that on hand.

It's entirely up to you if or when to treat, but if the swelling continues, it will take longer to bring it under control the longer you wait.

Chickens can have allergic reactions to things, and if she's particularly sensitive to the wasp venom, she may react with swelling of the airway. Oral benedryl can prevent this if given soon enough.

 

[Chuckkeeper]

I'd try hydrocortisone cream ASAP. I can't see it doing any harm if used too soon, but yet if you waited too long, it might become more difficult to resolve if secondary inflammation (ie. unfavourable symptoms of allergy response) are allowed to develop.