Oil gland info

[Debbiemade]

Hi, a couple of my birds seem to have lumps underneath their oil gland wick. One got very swollen and sadly died now two more have lumps just under their wick. Is this normal? Has anyone experienced anything like this?

Hens are fed good quality pellets with greens and the odd bit of scratch and seem otherwise healthy.

Thanks in advance
Debbie

 

[Nambroth]

Is there any way you can get photos for us?

The preen or oil gland can become inflamed or blocked for a number of reasons, though this alone should not cause death. If there are tumors and growths on the skin, it can be a sign of a more serious problem. Marek's is one disease that can cause tumorous growths of the skin and follicles. Do you have access to any resources that can preform a necropsy for you if you lose another bird? Have you seen any other symptoms in the birds that have the growths?