Lethargic Red Chicken Unsure What This Is

[4561 Carol]

Does anyone know what this is? It is located between back feathers & tail feathers.

 

[PeepersMama]

That is the preening gland. It produces oils that they clean their feathers with. It's totally normal, don't worry about it.

 

[4561 Carol]

Thank you, are there more on that body then just that one? She currently had wry neck, which I am treating. She continues to deprecate her feathers & is exposing that part... do you have any idea why?

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Carol

Welcome!

I answered your question on your other post. That is the uropygial [preen or oil gland].

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends

 

[PeepersMama]

Thank you, are there more on that body then just that one? She currently had wry neck, which I am treating. She continues to deprecate her feathers & is exposing that part... do you have any idea why?

That is what she does when she preens. She rubs her beak on the gland, and then cleans off her feathers with it. They also preen to straiten the feathers, and to clean off dead skin and such. If you watch the flock durin gone of their "down times," when they all take a break from doing chicken stuff and just hang out together, you will notice that they all preen. They also like to preen on the roost at night before they go to sleep.

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and ! Great to have you aboard! Best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!

 

[N F C]

It's nice to have you here!