Does my pullet have an ear infection?

[Dottie the Chicken]

Just noticed this on one of my pullets. I also noticed her "gaping" (not sure if that's the right term) with her mouth. Kinda like opening her mouth like she was uncomfortable. Is this some sort of ear infection? What can I do to help her if anything? Thanks!!

@Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock @azygous

 

[MysteryChicken]

Just noticed this on one of my pullets. I also noticed her "gaping" (not sure if that's the right term) with her mouth. Kinda like opening her mouth like she was uncomfortable. Is this some sort of ear infection? What can I do to help her if anything? Thanks!!

View attachment 3007758View attachment 3007760

@Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock @azygous

Looks like an ear infection. Just not one I've seen before. Maybe it's a fungus related ear infection?

 

[azygous]

Yes. You will need to clean the gunk out of the ear after putting a couple drops of mineral or coconut oil in there to soften the stuff. Use a Q-tip with most of the cotton removed.

After the ear is cleaned out, pack the inner ear with Neosporin or Triple-a ointment. Yes. It hurts most likely.

Redo the ointment each day. If the ear gets worse, swells, then an oral antibiotic will be required.

 

[dawg53]

It looks like the start of an ear infection, aka Ear Canker. Here's a link for you to read including treatments:
https://www.chickenwhisperermagazine.com/health-and-wellness/ear-canker

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

Yes. You will need to clean the gunk out of the ear after putting a couple drops of mineral or coconut oil in there to soften the stuff. Use a Q-tip with most of the cotton removed.

After the ear is cleaned out, pack the inner ear with Neosporin or Triple-a ointment. Yes. It hurts most likely.

Redo the ointment each day. If the ear gets worse, swells, then an oral antibiotic will be required.

Thank you!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Kinda like opening her mouth like she was uncomfortable. Is this some sort of ear infection?

You mention opening her beak is uncomfortable...does she have any lesions or pasty material inside the beak too?

I would definitely read the article that @dawg53 referenced, good information along with treatments.

It looks like the start of an ear infection, aka Ear Canker. Here's a link for you to read including treatments:
https://www.chickenwhisperermagazine.com/health-and-wellness/ear-canker

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

Can I use Vetericyn plus?

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

Can I use Vetericyn plus?

@azygous

 

[azygous]

Yes. Vetericyn will work in place of Neosporin or T-antibiotic ointment.

 

[Hunker Down Hen House]

It looks like the start of an ear infection, aka Ear Canker. Here's a link for you to read including treatments:
https://www.chickenwhisperermagazine.com/health-and-wellness/ear-canker

Thank you so much!