Hard scab on earlobe

[waddles99]

Anyone know what this could be?? And what causes it? I've never seen anything like it. It was on the lobe of one of my pullets. Squeezed it and the scab popped out, leaving a gaping hole. I'm thinking of using some neosporin or some antibiotic. Is it contagious? Never seen anything like it.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Great pictures!

Most likely the cause was from a pecking wound or other small cut/injury. Sometimes you will see this will an ear infection as well. Since you pulled the scab and report no pus, most likely injury though.

Keep the area cleaned and apply triple antibiotic ointment or Vetericyn. It will most likely start to close up, chickens can heal fairly quickly. Watch for any signs of infection like oozing, pus, or odors.



Here's some thread about ear infections if you're interested:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/919235/ear-infection-in-rooster
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/831156/really-nasty-ear-infection-in-a-silkie-hen-graphic-pics

 

[waddles99]

Great pictures!

Most likely the cause was from a pecking wound or other small cut/injury. Sometimes you will see this will an ear infection as well. Since you pulled the scab and report no pus, most likely injury though.

Keep the area cleaned and apply triple antibiotic ointment or Vetericyn. It will most likely start to close up, chickens can heal fairly quickly. Watch for any signs of infection like oozing, pus, or odors.



Here's some thread about ear infections if you're interested:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/919235/ear-infection-in-rooster
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/831156/really-nasty-ear-infection-in-a-silkie-hen-graphic-pics

Thanks! I have her separated from the others at the moment. I didn't know if it was contagious or anything but better safe than sorry. I will definitely put some antibiotic on her. I was thinking some neosporin but I have triple antibiotic as well. Do you recommend me trying to wrap it in gauze or something?

 

[24279102]

It looks clean. I would leave it alone and let it dry. Just watch it. I'm a big fan of Blukote - comes in a spray but it's VERY messy - and also a bottle with a dabber on the lid which I prefer. Either one will get on you and it has to wear off. It's good for drying up a wound and also changing the colour from red ( which the chickens love to go after ) to blue.

 

[Eggcessive]

Thanks! I have her separated from the others at the moment. I didn't know if it was contagious or anything but better safe than sorry. I will definitely put some antibiotic on her. I was thinking some neosporin but I have triple antibiotic as well. Do you recommend me trying to wrap it in gauze or something? 

Neosporin and triple antibiotic are the same, and once it is applied twice a day, no dressing is necessary, and probably would not stay on. Once it starts healing, I would move her back with the rest in a day or two. Wyorp may have more info when she is back online.

 

[waddles99]

Neosporin and triple antibiotic are the same, and once it is applied twice a day, no dressing is necessary, and probably would not stay on. Once it starts healing, I would move her back with the rest in a day or two. Wyorp may have more info when she is back online.

It is actually starting to even close up on its own already! I put the antibiotic on it without any bandages. She is still in her own cage. She seems lonely but I don't want to take chances. I will aim to apply some antibiotic in the morning and evening.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Neosporin and triple antibiotic are the same, and once it is applied twice a day, no dressing is necessary, and probably would not stay on. Once it starts healing, I would move her back with the rest in a day or two. Wyorp may have more info when she is back online.

X2

The Neosporin should be fine. Once she starts healing getting her back to the flock is a good idea. Less re-integration problems and chickens seem to heal more quickly when they are around their "buddies".

If you want to keep it cleaner, you can try putting her cage in the run, this way she is still somewhat isolated, but is still part of the flock. Makes it easy to have access to her to put ointment on and check the ear.

Glad to hear the wound is healing.

Keep us posted.