What the heck is this???

[jc_d1]

Anyone have any idea whats going on with this chicken?

edit: just checked this again, it's hard but not hot

 

[pineapple416]

I am not really sure...I have never seen an ear like that before. It doesn't appear to be infected or swollen at least to me so I don't think it should be a big problem. Maybe someone else will have experience with this or know what is going on.

 

[Hybridchucks]

I have seen this before.....and I don't think it's good... not at all...

 

[chuckachucka]

I don't have experience with this but have you checked inside the ear for any sign of mites or foreign particles that could have irritated/damaged inside the ear? Is there any discharge or smell to indicate infection? Is the swelling hard or soft if you press it lightly? If soft it could be some kind of cyst. Is the other ear ok and are your other birds ok? Does the chicken seem otherwise healthy? If it's an infection antibiotics should clear it up.

 

[jc_d1]

chuckachucka This may sound silly; but how do I check inside a chickens ear? There's no obvious discharge or smell. I haven't touched it but I'll check that. The other ear and other birds seem ok. They all seem healthy this aside.

 

[RacehorsesRock]

Does the chicken otherwise seem okay? When did you notice (how long has it been going on)? Are your other chickens okay?

 

[RacehorsesRock]

But from what I can tell it looks like a ear infection.

 

[RacehorsesRock]

Also could you try and repost the pic but hit full image button at the bottom?

 

[chickencheeper]

Might wanna bring her down to the vet, if us byc-ers don’t know what it is then it’s probably bad

 

[RacehorsesRock]

Might wanna bring her down to the vet, if us byc-ers don’t know what it is then it’s probably bad

It has the little black dots on the area like a infection has, right? I don't actually have chickens but I'm studying for vet school and that's what it seems like. Still, you should probably take her to the vet, or until you can get to a vet quarantine her from the other chickens.