Help! Chicken oil/preen gland issue

[Tristanarrington]

Why does my chicken’s preen gland look like this?! I’m worried. I’ve tried hot compresses and massage and it isn’t changing. It seems to cause her pain because she does not want me to touch it.

 

[NatJ]

Why does my chicken’s preen gland look like this?! I’m worried. I’ve tried hot compresses and massage and it isn’t changing. It seems to cause her pain because she does not want me to touch it.

Is that the way it looked before you did anything, or after? Or did it look the same both times? Do you know how long it has been like this?

Her not wanting it to be touched--was that before or after you tried compresses and massage?

Do you have any other chickens to compare with, to see whether that may just be normal?

I'm sorry I don't know enough about preen glands to be very helpful, but I'd try leaving it alone for a few hours or overnight, and hopefully by then someone who knows more will pop in to help.

 

[NatJ]

@Wyorp Rock @azygous @Eggcessive

Is one of you able to help? I don't know what to look for with preen gland issues.

 

[coach723]

When you massage it are you able to see any oil coming out? It looks a bit swollen to me, so it may be blocked. I would continue with the warm, wet compresses, to see if you can get it unclogged. If those don't work, and it's not secreting any oil, then a vet might be best.
More info here:
https://www.beautyofbirds.com/birdoilgland.html