Odd skin growth between feathers. What is this?

[ghoti]

Hi folks.

We got four hens a month ago. If the vendor is trustworthy, they are all ISA Brown, in the range of 24 to 26 weeks old now.

We noticed one of them pecking at something just above her tail, between the feathers, and upon inspection we found this:


(Click the photo for a closer view.)

It looks like some sort of polyp, perhaps 3 mm across, standing out perhaps 6 or 7 mm from the skin. I haven't poked at it to see how it feels, but I gather it's bothering her, or she wouldn't be pecking at it.

Is this anything to worry about?

Thanks.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi folks.

We got four hens a month ago. If the vendor is trustworthy, they are all ISA Brown, in the range of 24 to 26 weeks old now.

We noticed one of them pecking at something just above her tail, between the feathers, and upon inspection we found this:


(Click the photo for a closer view.)

It looks like some sort of polyp, perhaps 3 mm across, standing out perhaps 6 or 7 mm from the skin. I haven't poked at it to see how it feels, but I gather it's bothering her, or she wouldn't be pecking at it.

Is this anything to worry about?

Thanks.

Welcome to BYC.

That is the oil gland, or preen gland. She will "wick" a bit of oil from the gland when she is preening and then spread the oil among her feathers.

It's nothing to worry about, just leave it be

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uropygial_gland
http://www.avianaquamiser.com/posts/Chickens_waterproof_feathers_with_an_oil_gland/

 

[ghoti]

Quote:
Thanks, happy to be here!

Quote:
Ah, perfect, thank you very much! Sheesh, I had no idea this even existed!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Quote:
Ah, perfect, thank you very much! Sheesh, I had no idea this even existed!

There's always lots to learn

We're glad you're here.