Swollen Lesion on 6wk Pullet - What is it?

[WannabeHomsteader]

Hey all,
I'm new to BYC (I'll post introductions later!) and thought I'd ask here for guidance on my pullet.

I have eight 6wk (ish) old bantams from TSC. They've been in a plastic tote with pine shavings, but it's been getting hard to keep clean. Today I was moving them to wire cages lined with pine shavings (temporary just till I can modify the existing coop and run - I'm working on flock integration, and the bantams JUST finished their 30 day new-bird quarantine...) when I noticed this pullet had a lesion on the back of her neck. It is mostly bald, very lumpy (not squishy and soft like fluid-filled, but not rock-hard either), and swollen about 1/4" off her neck (I want to emphasize how prominent it was - it was difficult to capture in photos though). It is spotted with scabby areas. My first thought about the scabs was bullying or maybe self-inflicted scratching, until I noticed the swollen base beneath. No bad/rotten smell, but when I picked off a scab while cleaning her, it was weepy and raw beneath. I don't know how long she's been like this - I handle them fairly often, but I guess I missed this somehow. I treated with Vetericyn spray, followed up with triple antibiotic ointment, and wrapped loosely in elastic tape to prevent picking or scratching.

Other notes:
- She has a very limited appetite. She eats medicated chick starter w/ a top-dress vitamin supplement, and plain water.
- She's pretty "droopy" (not socializing, just laying down in a corner), but I think it's partially because she hates the elastic tape. She was running around more before I treated her.
- The whole flock just came off Corid last week.
- No other broodmates have similar symptoms - one cockerel has mild muscle spasms, but I think that's due to vitamin deficiency from the Corid. I'm treating him with Poultry Cell.
- Her broodmates are pretty feisty. They charge at and chase each other around, especially the (suspected) cockerels, but I have seen no picking, bullying, or outright fighting.
- Conditions here have been hot and VERY humid, and I'll admit that their living space hasn't been super sanitary lately. I have struggled with damp litter from water spills, cleaning it up and finding it messy soon after. I am new to chick raising and doing my best. Their current arrangement should be MUCH cleaner for them, though.
- Treating her myself is my only option.

Any thoughts on what this is and how to treat (besides what I'm already doing)?

 

[alinas2010]

Hello, welcome to the site. Sorry to hear about the injury this chick sustained. Injuries of this nature in this area are usually caused by pecking and being picked on by flock mates. Once they spot red, they don’t stop going at it, unfortunately.

The good thing is that you caught it and are treating it appropriately. Be sure to keep the injury moist with ointment (w/o pain relieve) at all times during healing. Gauze/bandaging isn’t necessary as it could attract more attention and can also slip easily and lead to choking. There have also been cases of some overly curious chicks eating the bandages and gauze. If you are worried about flock mates picking at the injury further, consider separating her with a gentle friend. More room would help, too, as you suggested, although it sounds like you’re working towards that already.

It is difficult to see the swelling in the photo, but it might be something that you just have to keep an eye on. It may just be swollen tissue at this point. She looks like she has quite a bit of healing to do still, maybe a few weeks. To try to perk her up, provide her with electrolytes to drink and try tempting her with scrambled eggs or wetted down chick feed made into a mash. The wound itself doesn’t look infected or yucky, but keep treating the as you are and be diligent about checking it for any discharge or pus. Also, chicken pus is hard and cheese-like.

 

[WannabeHomsteader]

Hello, welcome to the site. Sorry to hear about the injury this chick sustained. Injuries of this nature in this area are usually caused by pecking and being picked on by flock mates. Once they spot red, they don’t stop going at it, unfortunately.

The good thing is that you caught it and are treating it appropriately. Be sure to keep the injury moist with ointment (w/o pain relieve) at all times during healing. Gauze/bandaging isn’t necessary as it could attract more attention and can also slip easily and lead to choking. There have also been cases of some overly curious chicks eating the bandages and gauze. If you are worried about flock mates picking at the injury further, consider separating her with a gentle friend. More room would help, too, as you suggested, although it sounds like you’re working towards that already.

It is difficult to see the swelling in the photo, but it might be something that you just have to keep an eye on. It may just be swollen tissue at this point. She looks like she has quite a bit of healing to do still, maybe a few weeks. To try to perk her up, provide her with electrolytes to drink and try tempting her with scrambled eggs or wetted down chick feed made into a mash. The wound itself doesn’t look infected or yucky, but keep treating the as you are and be diligent about checking it for any discharge or pus. Also, chicken pus is hard and cheese-like.

I think you're right about pecking. I hate that it happened, but I'm glad I'm on the right track for treatment. Good to know about chicken pus. She's currently separated with the previously-mentioned bird that's having muscle spasms, since he's also in the "sick bay". (I made a post about him, too, if you have any suggestions for him... https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/6wk-bantam-neurological-issues.1667267/ ). Both are very quiet and not super active, but they definitely like each other's company. The injured pullet was noticeably happier after I removed the bandage, and even ate a bit of feed. She was completely uninterested in scrambled egg, but oh well. Perhaps she is on the road to recovery. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[alinas2010]

I think you're right about pecking. I hate that it happened, but I'm glad I'm on the right track for treatment. Good to know about chicken pus. She's currently separated with the previously-mentioned bird that's having muscle spasms, since he's also in the "sick bay". (I made a post about him, too, if you have any suggestions for him... https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/6wk-bantam-neurological-issues.1667267/ ). Both are very quiet and not super active, but they definitely like each other's company. The injured pullet was noticeably happier after I removed the bandage, and even ate a bit of feed. She was completely uninterested in scrambled egg, but oh well. Perhaps she is on the road to recovery. Thank you so much for your help!

You’re welcome! I’m sorry that you have two needing treatment for illness/injury, I know that can be stressful. You’re doing great, hang in there.

It’s nice they get company with each other, though. That can be helpful for healing. Ah my chicks did not care for scrambled eggs, either the first few times I gave it to them. Now they go crazy for it. I’m glad she did eat something. Most will go crazy for wetted down chicken feed, mine think it is a treat. You could try that if she doesn’t care to eat at any point in the future.

My thought is that this would be an uncomplicated recovery, it’ll just take time. But do keep an eye on the swelling, watch for changes in the tissue. It looks like it’s healing well for now. Sometimes after an injury from flock mates they can act a bit subdued. Hopefully she perks up soon and recovers well. Let us know.

As for the chick with neurological problems, it looks like you’ve gotten good advice there so far. The vitamin b complex and vitamin e is what I would recommend, too. Tube feeding can be helpful in situations like that, also. I agree that a response to the vitamin regimen will likely take weeks. But I hope he also recovers and is okay. Hang in there