Backyard Poultry Forum

Greetings

I have noticed that Flecks's comb looks like it has necrosis or something similar - the whitish area towards the rear of the comb.

It is not frost bite.

Her comb is usually quite large, however, over the last 6 months or so has become smaller. It has only been the last month that the comb is beginning to increase in size.

Any advice to what the condition is and what should be done ?

Thank you. Regards, Chicken-gal

Doesn’t look like it’s dying or anything like that. Still looks like there is a healthy blood supply. Looks more like a straightforward skin condition.

What sort of antibacterial or antifungal topical medications do you have at home? Betadine, Malaseb wash etc?

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Cheerio, Rach
Blue Swedish Ducks

Hi Rach

We have some canesten antifungal solution (liquid) and monistat derm. We also have betadine gel.

Do you think either of the first two would cause issues with the comb ?

If left untreated, do you believe this condition to be problematic?

Fleck is not easy to catch....

Thanks, Chicken-gal

If you can catch her I’d use one of the antifungals as my money would be on a fungal condition. I would use the monistat cream. It won’t do her any harm at all.

If you don’t think you’ll be able to catch her then I’d just keep an eye on it. It doesn’t look like a serious problem to me. Maybe give us an update in a month or two (or sooner if it changes colour).

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Cheerio, Rach
Blue Swedish Ducks

Totally agree with Rach. It does look like favus, doesn't it?

I read that this fungus can spontaneously disappear with sunlight.

If it gets worse you can try to treat her at night on the roost. I have found that very flighty chickens get quite friendly when handled carefully and gently.

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Small free-range flock of Croad Langshans
http://croadlangshan.org/

Thanks for the advice. I will hold off a week or so and see it gets worse. If it does I will administer Monistat (at night on the roast).

Is Favus detrimental to the hen’s health ?

Thanks, CG

Keep in mind, it may be something else. You need a microscopic confirmation to be sure.
I certainly wouldn't panic.


Here is some more information.



This is from Diseases of Poultry, 12th Edition, 2008

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Small free-range flock of Croad Langshans
http://croadlangshan.org/

Thanks.

Will keep watching her closely and if the condition worsens will apply the monistat derm to her comb.

Best, Chicken-gal

Hello

We just did a good going over of fleck.

Here are two more detailed images of her comb condition. The white layers are, in some places, flaky and can be lifted off.

We applied monistat.

She does not seem to have any mites, however, her feathers are quite odd in some areas (mainly around her backside and a few along her neck). The shaft of the feather is visible without any feathers! I believe these feathers are called blood feathers or pins. Her last moult was around late April.

Furthermore, very late today I noticed that Fleck had diarrhoea (see image). Her droppings are normally very good and she rarely is sick. I am wondering if these various symptoms (flaky comb, diarrhoea and feather shafts) are linked, or it may be only a coincidence.

As always the plot thickens.

What do you think ?

Cheers, Chicken-gal

She might be a bit under the weather and the fungal infection has taken a hold. Would be good to worm her just to reduce any parasite burden she’s carrying.

The feathers you’re seeing are new ones growing in. Not usual, even at this time of year. Some birds moult really late and at a seemingly silly time..

Good that you were able to apply the cream.

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Cheerio, Rach
Blue Swedish Ducks

You may recall that Fleck is the last of our flock and is by herself. Myrtle died a few weeks back, and the problems we are now observing have occurred after Myrtle's death.

It is possible that Fleck became depressed and her symptoms are the result of her becoming stressed at the time (just a guess).

Thanks for your ongoing support and advice.

Kind Regards, CG

Ah yes, that is quite likely to be a factor. Being on her own will be a bit of a challenge to her system.

I’d feed her up a bit with some highly nutritious food like tinned sardines, a bit of meat and boiled eggs.

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Cheerio, Rach
Blue Swedish Ducks

Yes, that's what I tend to do. Eggs are a very good emergency food.
If I may suggest: some avian vitamins might be good for her. Some deficiencies cause skin problems.
If not available a teaspoon of cat food per day. Don't go overboard though.
They all love a bit of fuss and care.
(Excellent photos by the way.)
Would be interested how she gets on, will you let us know, please?

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Small free-range flock of Croad Langshans
http://croadlangshan.org/

Thanks will do as you suggest. Regards, Chicken-gal

Greetings

Fleck has improved considerably. The diarrhoea dissipated after a day or so and appears to not be related to the comb issue

After one application of monistat derm the results are very good.

I will probably apply one more application.

Best, Chicken-Gal