Large Lump on Chest Near Crop

[ArrowheadG]

Can we have a picture that shows both lumps at the same time?

I can try and get a decent one tomorrow (I have already tried but now it's too dark and any of the pictures I got don't show any lumps because of the angle and lighting).

 

[micstrachan]

Looking forward to pictures tomorrow. I hope we can help you.

 

[ArrowheadG]

Ok, if you are certain that is not her crop, that changes things. I suspect a tumor or cyst. Is it firm? Squishy? Can you part the feathers and examine the skin? See if it’s inflamed/pink or vascularized (with lots of blood vessels). See if there is a wound that could have gotten infected. Does it seem to be affecting her behavior, eating, drinking, breathing? Posting a video of her body language might be helpful. Sorry about your girl.

I actually had to go outside. I'm so worried about her, I couldn't wait until tomorrow. I couldn't get pictures, but the lump is certainly not her crop. I confirmed that for sure, and it's not squishy. It's harder. I was unable to see anything, as her feathers covered it up. I tried to part them, but there was just so many. Her eating and drinking seem to be fine, I watched her earlier today. I haven't been with her in a while, so her not wanting me to pick her up was expected from her. I don't think touching it hurts her, as she seemed okay a few minutes ago. I can't tell about the breathing thing, as for me, that's harder to check. I wish I could get a video to you.

 

[micstrachan]

I actually had to go outside. I'm so worried about her, I couldn't wait until tomorrow. I couldn't get pictures, but the lump is certainly not her crop. I confirmed that for sure, and it's not squishy. It's harder. I was unable to see anything, as her feathers covered it up. I tried to part them, but there was just so many. Her eating and drinking seem to be fine, I watched her earlier today. I haven't been with her in a while, so her not wanting me to pick her up was expected from her. I don't think touching it hurts her, as she seemed okay a few minutes ago. I can't tell about the breathing thing, as for me, that's harder to check. I wish I could get a video to you.

I’m so sorry you were so worried! If she is behaving normally, it’s probably not incredibly urgent this moment. It will probably need to be addressed at some point, however. If you gently, loosely wrap her in a towel and cover her head, she might remain calm enough for you to look closer at the skin. Is there a second person who can help you look at her more closely? I have found if I am nervous, they sense it a bit. Try to remain calm and soothing, if possible.

Is an avian vet an option for her/you? The fact that it is firm makes me think it could be a tumor, but hopefully it isn’t growing too rapidly or maybe it’s sonething else.

In all honestly, while I have learned a lot, I am not one of the more experienced members. Let’s call in some more help.
@rebrascora @dawg53 @coach723 @Wyorp Rock @casportpony @Eggcessive @Hen Pen Jem @azygous @aart
These folks have a wide variety of perspectives and will also know who else to call in, if needed.

 

[chickens really]

I'm also thinking its air sack issue. You can use a needle without the syringe attached to try and get the air out.

 

[rebrascora]

It is certainly worth trying to release air with a needle but you should be able to feel if it is air inside or tissue. If it is solid tissue or you cannot release any air with a hypodermic needle then my gut feeling is that it is probably a tumour and a vet is not likely to be able to help even if you could afford one.... my funds don't run to veterinary care for my chickens either so don't feel bad about that and I would hate for you to incur that expense when it may not benefit the bird anyway.
How old is she? Looking at her, I would guess that she is adolescent and that might point towards it being Marek's disease.
How long have you had her and was she vaccinated for Marek's. It is done by the hatchery when they hatch IF you request it and pay extra for the chick. If bought from a private breeder then usually they are not vaccinated. Have you had any lame chickens or ones that died in the past few months?
How many chickens do you have and what are their ages?

You will need to be more assertive if you want to try and help this bird. Lifting her off the roost at night is the best way to catch and examine her. Use a head torch, so that you have both hands free and use an old towel to wrap around her to keep her wings and feet secure whilst you examine her. Once she feels secure she will stop struggling. Enlist someone else to help you and discuss how it feels.... 2 pairs of hands and two minds are better than one for assessing things when you are inexperienced. If you decide to try to express it with a hypodermic needle, make sure it is sterile and give the skin a rub with an antiseptic wipe where you are going to insert the needle. You will only need a very short needle because if it is air, it will be pretty much just under the skin, so don't go deeper than quarter of an inch. If it feels really solid when you push it in, it is probably a tumour but have a good look at the skin for any discolouration or obvious blood vessels before you insert it. You will know pretty much immediately if it is air from a leaking air sac as you will hear it coming out.

Other things to do....
Check her crop function. Feel her crop at night when she goes to roost, remove access to food and feel it again first thing in the morning. If her crop (or at least one of the bumps on her chest) has not gone flat then she has a problem with her digestive tract. Obviously, give them their food once you have checked her in the morning.
Watch her closely when she is eating. Does she really eat or does she just pretend. Sick birds will often go through the motions of appearing healthy and active until they are too sock to do so. I have seen sick birds loo9k like they are eating with the rest of the flock but when you watch closely they pick up and drop the same piece of food.

In the photo her head is twisted to the left. Is it often in that position or was that just how you captured her in the photo?

Get back to us with more information as discussed above and better photos and hopefully we will have more idea.... bear in mind that when an animal is taken to the vet, he or she can see, feel, hear and smell the bird and watch how they react. We cannot do that from a computer screen, so we need you to provide as much information as you can, in order for us to help you.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

 

[staceyj]

 

[micstrachan]

@rebrascora, good point about the vet & apossivle tumor.
@ArrowheadG, I’m sorry. I missed the part that a vet isn’t your best choice. Don’t worry; there is a lot of knowledge here. We’re here to support you! Hugs.

 

[azygous]

Here's my input, although @rebrascora has thoroughly covered it until you can examine your girl and report any new findings.

If it turns out to be a tumor, do not jump to the conclusions it's going to be deadly. If the lump is hard, it very likely is a tumor unless you see very red skin which would point to an infection. Chicken pus is also often solid feeling.

About six years ago, I discovered my oldest hen, a Light Brahma, had a tumor over her eye. She was happy and very normal so I didn't worry about it. Now, at age ten and a half, she's still got the tumor and it's much larger, but she is still being a very normal hen with just a little bit of trouble seeing out of that eye. She is still top of the pecking order, by the way.