Silkie Chick--Tail feather bump

[Peaches Lee]

I have a Silkie chick that keeps grooming her tail, which feathers are just starting to emerge from, and she would start crying. So upon further inspection we located a bump under her skin at the tail.

Could this be more feathers coming in and having an ingrown feather? Or is it something else?

 

[Zoomom]

there is usually a grease containing gland at the base of the tail - this is something they cut off for grocery store eating chickens and ducks as it tastes really bad and will taint the meat. So I would think the bump is normal, but she is crying? that is strange. Maybe she is grooming her feathers too much and they aren't ready to emerge yet, as there is blood in growing feathers.

Maybe someone else can help, or can you post a picture?

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
That oil gland back there is probably what the bump is. Not sure why she's crying. Maybe she's nipping at a painful feather shaft coming through? Maybe she's nipping at the gland, thinking it's a feather shaft??? Unless you see blood, or unless the behavior continues for many days, I don't think I'd worry too much...

 

[Peaches Lee]

Thank you for your help. She only cries when she grooms, and the last time I watched her she did seem quite vigorous about grooming her tail. It does appear where she is grooming that there are no feathers yet, but like they are going to emerge.

I will try to get a pic. Thanks again for your input.