Ingrown feather on rooster?

[Gracie_S]

My 3 year old Orpington roo has a reddish-white bump on his rear, near where his tail feathers start. I noticed he seemed to have a gap in his feathers, and when I checked I found this bump. It’s nearly an inch long and is slightly flexible...not as stiff as a feather, but it doesn’t really bend. I’m mostly concerned about possible infection. He doesn’t seem to be bothered by it. He’s acting completely normally, and eating and drinking normally. He might be just a touch more cranky than usual. I use sand in my coop and run, pine shavings in the nesting box, and have never had any health or hygiene issues with my current setup. I did introduce new chickens to my flock about a month and a half ago, with no issues whatsoever (gradual introductions for the win!). Any advice would be appreciated! He’s sort of a crotchety roo to everyone but me, but he’s my baby.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

I would use a disinfected knife or something and make a small slit in it. Then you can use tweezers and get it out.

 

[LaFleche]

This seems to be the oil gland and is not to be touched even less with a knife!