Red red skin

[merca126]

I have a one year old serama rooster and I just noticed how red his skin is around his tail feathers. Like REALLY red. He is a frizzle so you can really see his skin well..And then I saw this yellow wormlike??? thing coming out of his skin as well. He only lives with one hen and she has no signs of anything. Any ideas?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have a one year old serama rooster and I just noticed how red his skin is around his tail feathers. Like REALLY red. He is a frizzle so you can really see his skin well..And then I saw this yellow wormlike??? thing coming out of his skin as well. He only lives with one hen and she has no signs of anything. Any ideas?

The "worm-like thing" is his Oil Gland (Uropygial gland). Normally you would leave that alone, but it's hard to tell - is it clogged up? Can you gently press on it and see if a tiny amount of oil comes out?

 

[merca126]

Thank you! It seemed like a tiny bit did come out, yes. Are they normally yellow?
Any idea about the redness?

thanks!!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you! It seemed like a tiny bit did come out, yes. Are they normally yellow?
Any idea about the redness?

thanks!!

The yellow is a bit odd. It could just be contrast with the red skin which is something I'm just not sure about. I almost wondered if the oil gland was impacted or infected from the way it looks. Normally it's the color of their skin and not quite so "bloated" looking at the end. Of course each bird's looks slightly different, but something there doesn't seem quite right.

 

[coach723]

Do you see any swelling around the base of it? It may be completely normal, but hard to tell.
How is is feather condition over all? I would keep an eye on him, watch for any 'extra' attention or picking around that area to indicate it's bothering him or any swelling. If his feathers start looking really ratty it could be an indication that the gland isn't putting out what it should be. If it seems blocked then sometimes warm wet compresses and gentle massage can get things unblocked and moving again. More than that usually requires vet care.
The redness in his skin may be hormonal, it's spring and he's one year old, so hormones are surging right now. Roosters can get redder legs, and redder skin around the vent/tail area due to hormonal surges and it's normal. Might be good to see a full body picture of him.
More info on the uropygial gland:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/uropygial-gland

 

[merca126]

Very helpful thank you!!!! Everything looks healthy and normal.. just red. And normal behavior with no picking..