Rooster Has a solid ball shaped mass in neck, can't hold head up anymore.

[camochick96]

The one on our pig felt solid until we started draining it and then it was softer. It had just filled so much that it was solid.

 

[micstrachan]

Oooh! That’s great information! Did you have to actively pull the fluid? Did any want to leak out under pressure upon the initial poke?

 

[camochick96]

We stuck the needle in and squeezed it until nothing else would come out then removed the needle and spayed it with vetericyn.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Greetings Incukahlan,

You should really think about taking your rooster to see a Vet.

If the lump is large and solid/firm as you describe, it is likely to be a fibroid tumor. Such tumors are common in birds including chickens. Whether it is benign or malignant is something only a Veterinarian can determine. This is not something that can be fixed with antibiotics or vitamins. Some tumors can be surgically removed by the Vet, and the bird can live a normal life without reoccurrence.

If this was soft and squishy, then, most likely it would be a cyst or abscess. Abscesses are areas of tissue that have become swollen and inflamed by bacterial infections. An abscess can rupture and the infection will start to pour out. A cyst is a tissue sac that is filled with fluid or other loose material, this is common in feather follicles. Both of these are treatable at home.

Now, if it turns out to be a tumor, and if it interferes with the roosters ability to eat or drink, or have quality of life, then, you may have to decide whether to let him slowly die, or end his suffering...if you cannot take him to a Vet. But, this all depends on correctly diagnosing the lump. Here again, a Vet can take a sample and tell you what it is, exactly.

I know this must be so distressing for you, as it is clear how much you care for your boy.

These are my thoughts, I hope they are helpful.

Other members will have advice, please consider them too, then make the best decision for you and your rooster.

God Bless

 

[Bocktobery 10]

I had something like this in one of my hens, though she did not have an ear hole, and I guess somehow it got infected in there and continued to grow. The vet thought it was an abscess.. as if it got an infected insect bite. (By the way, I think abscesses can be hard) She operated on it and cleaned it out. It eventually started to grow back. It wasn't a bug bite like she thought but something to do with her malformed ear- but perhaps a bug bite is what happened with your little fella there . I would assume it will need to be cut open, emptied and cleaned out thoroughly by a vet. Also, to me it seems like it could be sinus related. Coryza? <-- Do a search on that term... Maybe you will notice some similarities?

Is it squishy or hard? It is heavy? Can you smell any bad smells coming from the nostrils or open mouth of the rooster? If you smell bad smells, its probably infected. I don't know though... something like this to me I say it needs to be cut open by someone who knows what they are doing. Are you sure you can't just take him to the vet?

 

[Bocktobery 10]

If nothing came out... I would bet its a tumor.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you post a photo a couple of photos of him without holding the wattles, what does the other side of the comb look like (and face too).

Have you looked inside the ear?
It's hard to tell, but the other side of the comb looks like it has a crust or dried something on it?

I agree that seeking vet care is the best course of action for you. Alternatively you can contact your state lab for testing.
http://azvdl.arizona.edu/

 

[Eggcessive]

Chickens can suffer from lymphomas and sarcoma tumors from viruses. Lymphoid leukosis and Mareks disease are 2 common viruses that affect chickens, and cause tumors. With these types of tumors, they will frequently suffer from dehydration and weight loss, and have low energy.

When chicken owners have the possibility of either an abscess, cyst, or a tumor, it can be helpful to take a large 18 gauge needle and syringe, and try to aspirate or suck out some fluid or pus. If nothing comes out, it is most likely a tumor. Let us know if you find out what is going on.

If you lose him, I would try to get a necropsy performed by your state poultry lab.

 

[peeper89]

that look bad u got a vet?

 

[Incukahlan]

It feels very solid. Not squishy at all, so I don't think it would be an abscess? Unless it is just so full that it feels solid. I'm not sure how to tell the difference. I wonder if I should try draining it, or even just puncturing it a little to see if any fluid drains out. What do you think? I have no problem doing this, and I do have the necessary tools, just don't want to do any more damage in case it is something different. Any thoughts?