Clogged Hole

[chilman]

Tonight I was taking care of my little girl who jumped out of her coop a week or so ago. She is doing well but still cannot walk. I have no idea what the problem is. ANyway, I was checking her all over thinking I might have missed something and I did. Near the very tip of her tail-topside, I found a small spot on her about the size of an eraser head. The spot was actually a deep hole that was clogged with rusty brown colored stuff that was dry and crumbly. I cleaned the hole out and apparently when I touched her skin inside the hole, it was very tender because she reacted. I cleaned the spot with peroxide and no boiling. I then sprayed it with vetryacin. That did not seem to bother her any. Any idea what this could be?

 

[Poultry parent]

Can you post a picture?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Tonight I was taking care of my little girl who jumped out of her coop a week or so ago. She is doing well but still cannot walk. I have no idea what the problem is. ANyway, I was checking her all over thinking I might have missed something and I did. Near the very tip of her tail-topside, I found a small spot on her about the size of an eraser head. The spot was actually a deep hole that was clogged with rusty brown colored stuff that was dry and crumbly. I cleaned the hole out and apparently when I touched her skin inside the hole, it was very tender because she reacted. I cleaned the spot with peroxide and no boiling. I then sprayed it with vetryacin. That did not seem to bother her any. Any idea what this could be?

Photos will be helpful.

But from your description - perhaps what you are looking at it the Uropygial gland or preening gland (oil gland). It does sometimes have a brownish type oily crusty discharge. It is a tender point on a chicken and should usually be left alone unless you see redness/swelling. This gland has an oil in it, the chicken will wick a little oil on their beak/head and then disperse it on and in between their feathers when they preen.

http://www.adelaidechickensittingservice.com/blog/chicken-preening-gland

 

[chilman]

After reading the link, the hole is right by the little bump. So what happens if I have cleaned the "wax" out, cleaned it with peroxide and vetryacin? I guess I should leave it alone! Thanks for the info!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yes, leave it be. In a couple of days take a look at it to make sure it's not red or irritated, but I don't believe you did any harm

 

[chilman]

Thanks!