What could this be and what to do?

[meadrian]

This is my 8 year old hen, Delphine. She has no signs of illness except a small cough and this lump. It’s not warm to the touch. Not sure what to do. Suggestions or ideas? Thanks!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Looks like an ear infection. Could be from respiratory illness, ear mites or something else. Since she has a small cough as well and it looks like the corner of her eye is sunken a little it may be respiratory illness.
If you have vet care, that would be best.

You can try removing the gunk yourself. Put 1-2 drops of Peroxide in the ear to help bubble it out, remove what you can - sometimes there's a "plug". Put some plain Neosporin in the ear. You may need to repeat the process a few times.
Because of her age and the symptoms you describe, I would be inclined to also give her a round of antibiotics. You can fine Tylan50 at most feed stores. Dosage is 0.25ml per pound of weight, given orally 3 times a day for 5 days.

Check her over really well for lice/mites on the body too. Keep us posted.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...nfection-in-a-silkie-hen-graphic-pics.831156/

 

[meadrian]

Thanks so much! Used the hydrogen peroxide and newsprint tonight. Separated her from the others and am ordering the Tylenol. She’s still laying and her comb and wattles are bright red, so that’s a pretty good sign. Will let you know what happens and thanks again!

 

[meadrian]

I’m reading that I should inject the Tylenol?

 

[Fishkeeper]

Not Tylenol. Tylan50, given orally, i.e. by mouth.

 

[ChickNanny13]

2x Fishkeeper Not Tylenol, Tylan50 & NOT newsprint, Neosporin without the pain relief

 

[meadrian]

I think I had auto correct going. I meant Tylan50 and neosporin. Sorry about that!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks so much! Used the hydrogen peroxide and newsprint tonight. Separated her from the others and am ordering the Tylenol. She’s still laying and her comb and wattles are bright red, so that’s a pretty good sign. Will let you know what happens and thanks again!

I’m reading that I should inject the Tylenol?

I think you have auto correct or something going on lol
You want Tylan50, give it orally. I would not inject it since it's administered 3X a day she would be very sore after 5days and likely to have problems with injection site necrosis.
Here's some info on giving medications orally - picture and video
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...er-construction-check-back-for-updates.73335/

You used the Peroxide, were you able to remove any gunk out of the ear? It is important to remove any debris or pus that you see. Chicken pus will not "dry up" or go away on it's own.


This is what you want.

 

[meadrian]

UPDATE
I used the hydrogen peroxide and neosporin. No pus ever came out, but continued to use. Her ear looks normal and cough has been gone for a week now. But I got the Tylan50 since it’s good to keep on hand.

She’s laying more now than she has all last year. Go figure.
Thanks everyone for your help!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

UPDATE
I used the hydrogen peroxide and neosporin. No pus ever came out, but continued to use. Her ear looks normal and cough has been gone for a week now. But I got the Tylan50 since it’s good to keep on hand.

She’s laying more now than she has all last year. Go figure.
Thanks everyone for your help!

Interesting, you didn't get a plug out of the ear?

Glad to hear she is better!