Ear canal swollen shut

[crchicks]

So I finally figured out what is wrong with my poor rooster that I posted about a couple weeks back. One of his ear canals is swollen almost completely shut. Now I'm just trying to figure out how to treat him. I don't have a local avian vet so my options are pretty limited to what I can get at the feed store. Does anyone have suggestions for how to treat him? There's no discharge or anything that I can see.

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you post a picture? Ear infections as well as some respiratory infections can cause swelling and gunk in ears. Dawg53 has some older posts about cleaning ears, but I am having trouble finding some links to post. He usually recommended getting some peroxide, Q Tips, maybe even tweezers, and plain neosporin ointment, and just try to dig out any obvious gunk or debris. Use the hydrogen peroxide in the ear canal to flush it out, and clean it with QTips. Then fill the canal with neosporin ointment. Clavamox or amoxicillin as well as sulfa antibiotics from a vet are sometimes used if it is a bad infection.

 

[DocBirdBrain]

Pictures would help! I agree with everything Eggcessive says- infections can lead to swelling of the ear canal which may or may not be permanent. If it's just occluded with wax/debris, you can try flushing and cleaning.
Peroxide is one option, another option is to make a solution of 1/2 vinegar (many folks insist on it being apple cider vinegar) and 1/2 rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol). Don't use cold solution, it should be at least room temperature or held in your hand to warm it closer to body temperature. Using cold solution or squirting it into the ear canal with too much force can cause a head tilt and balance problems (which usually improve with time).
As of January 2017, antibiotics are not available over the counter from feed stores or anywhere else.

Good luck and keep us posted!