Ingrown tail feather on 2 wk old help?

[caralynn99]

Hi there! I am fairly new with chickens, second round with babies. One of my 2 week olds has an ingrown tail feather that is red, inflamed and tender. Any suggestions? The dark red spot in the centre looks like the tip of a large sheath coming through, but no feather emerging.

 

[junebuggena]

That's the preening gland, and it looks like it somehow got injured.

 

[caralynn99]

I see! Should I just be cleaning it daily and see how it goes? There is quite a lump that is around it. Would polysporin be safe to put it also?

 

[junebuggena]

As long as it's the kind without pain-reliever, polysporin is safe to use. Chicks heal up remarkable fast.

 

[caralynn99]

Ok thank you!