Feather cyst or something else?

[bwood002]

Hi, I have a 3 week old black australorp who seems to have a bump above her tail feathers. I was wondering if anyone has experience with this who can offer some insight or advice.

This is our second flock raised from chicks and I've never had one have this issue. The only information I could find is that it could be a feather cyst? But, I really don't want to traumatize her and was thinking about trying something topical. I've attached some photographs.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

Hi, I have a 3 week old black australorp who seems to have a bump above her tail feathers. I was wondering if anyone has experience with this who can offer some insight of advice. This is our second flock raised from chicks and I've never had one have this issue. The only information I could find is that it could be a feather cyst? But, I really don't want to traumatize her and was thinking about trying something topical. I've attached some photographs.

View attachment 3994575View attachment 3994576View attachment 3994578View attachment 3994580

I cant see anything from the pics, but could it be a preening gland?

 

[bwood002]

I cant see anything from the pics, but could it be a preening gland?

I just added an enlarged photo of the area. Showing that it is an enlarged bump. Surely it could be a gland but I do not think it is normal. I've been watching it over days and it seems to be growing.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

I just added an enlarged photo of the area. Showing that it is an enlarged bump. Surely it could be a gland but I do not think it is normal. I've been watching it over days and it seems to be growing.

Yes, that doesn’t sound normal. I could tag someone who might know, as i'm not sure about what to do, sorry
@Eggcessive

 

[Eggcessive]

That is probably the oil or preen gland. Those can become clogged or swollen. Warm wet compress 2-3 times a day followed by some massage may help.

 

[bwood002]

Yes, that doesn’t sound normal. I could tag someone who might know, as i'm not sure about what to do, sorry
@Eggcessive

Thank you. Any help is appreciated. I've been reading warm compresses for 10 minutes at a time might help. But, if it is a developing infection it might require antibiotics?

 

[bwood002]

That is probably the oil or preen gland. Those can become clogged or swollen. Warm wet compress 2-3 times a day followed by some massage may help.

Thank you. I will give it a try.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

Thank you. Any help is appreciated. I've been reading warm compresses for 10 minutes at a time might help. But, if it is a developing infection it might require antibiotics?

It probably will require antibiotics if she develops any other symptoms. At the moment, i'd carry on trying eggcessive's suggestion, and monitor her