1 week old duckling has itchy bump

[Shannonsducks]

My duckling has an itchy bump on his backside right above his tail feathers he’s about a week old anyone know what this is? It seems a bit sensitive too

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sounds like the preen gland. If he is rubbing his face on it that is how they get the oils to cover their feathers to make themselves waterproof. It's very natural.
If they get warm water playtime after that they will begin to use that oil gland to get their feathers waterproof and the younger the better.

 

[KaleIAm]

Sounds like the preen gland. If he is rubbing his face on it that is how they get the oils to cover their feathers to make themselves waterproof. It's very natural.
If they get warm water playtime after that they will begin to use that oil gland to get their feathers waterproof and the younger the better.

x2

Mine also have this. It seems weird to us, but it is a normal and essential part of duck anatomy. It is good your duck has it and good that your duck rubs it!