Hard lump near rooster’s tail

[ascott11]

I just noticed this hard lump near my rooster’s tail feather. It’s sort of pointy and is very hard. I’m not sure what it is! He has been acting normal and nothing else seems out of sort.

 

[Malkaris]

Isn't that the oil gland?

Edit - I looked at some more pics and I'm pretty sure that's his Uropygial Gland (Preen or Oil Gland).

 

[SulkyBantam]

That is the oil gland he uses to preen. It is a little red but if it has been rubbed or poked that would account for it.

All chickens have that, don't worry, many people worry about that at first.

I wouldn't touch it any more.

 

[ASatt19]

That is the oil gland he uses to preen. It is a little red but if it has been rubbed or poked that would account for it.

All chickens have that, don't worry, many people worry about that at first.

I wouldn't touch it any more.

Is there any way you can treat it? He keeps rubbing his head on it and biting it

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Is there any way you can treat it? He keeps rubbing his head on it and biting it

Welcome To BYC @ASatt19

Does your rooster's preening gland look like the one in the photo?
The original posted photos look like a normal preening (oil) gland and it's also normal for a chicken to rub their head on the gland and lightly bite or rub their beak on the gland to wick up some oil so they can distribute it through their feathers.

Sometimes an oil gland can become impacted or inflamed, so if what you are seeing doesn't really match the photo, then please post photos.