Veterinary advice should be sought from your local veterinarian before applying any treatment or vaccine. Not sure who to use? Look up veterinarians who specialize in poultry using our directory listing. Find me a Vet
Epidermoid Cysts
Epidermoid cysts, also referred to as epidermal cysts, are typically harmless, slow-growing benign bumps that develop within the dermis or subcutis.
Most reports of epidermoid cysts occurring in birds have been in budgerigars. The first case involving a chicken was in a 5-year-old silky bantam rooster. The rooster had developed several epidermoid cysts within the tissues of his walnut-styled comb. The cysts appeared as several firm, yellow, keratinized masses measuring 4-15 mm in diameter. The epidermoid cysts were characterized histopathology by the presence of orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis. In some sections, the hyperkeratotic stratum corneum contained branching fungal mycelia, resulting from infection with Aspergillus fumigatus and Alternaria spp.
Chicken breeds with walnut or rose style combs, as the unique recesses can provide a warm, moist environment for fungal growth.
Silky chicken breed. Since these breeds tend to sleep with their heads resting close to the ground, rather than tucked over their backs like other breeds.
Chickens living in a humid environment, favorable to fungal growth
