Good morning, everyone,
A few weeks ago I noticed that one of our australorps had a growth on her back about the size and shape of two pencil eraser heads stacked on top of each other. I thought it was strange but decided not to panic (which, as a new chicken keeper, was easier said than done!). But last weekend I noticed our other australorp had an identical growth in the same place. I thought "Darn! It must be some funky genetic thing." But yesterday I noticed that our Orpington had one on her back too! The growths look like they might be really, really ingrown feathers or something. In fact, two out of the three growths appear like they are trying to grow feathers through them (or, at least I see feathers that look as if they have been been snapped off at the base). The growths don't seem painful at all, although I do occasionally see the girls biting them. Has anyone seen anyone like this before? Do these growths need to be removed?
Thanks in advance for any help!
A few weeks ago I noticed that one of our australorps had a growth on her back about the size and shape of two pencil eraser heads stacked on top of each other. I thought it was strange but decided not to panic (which, as a new chicken keeper, was easier said than done!). But last weekend I noticed our other australorp had an identical growth in the same place. I thought "Darn! It must be some funky genetic thing." But yesterday I noticed that our Orpington had one on her back too! The growths look like they might be really, really ingrown feathers or something. In fact, two out of the three growths appear like they are trying to grow feathers through them (or, at least I see feathers that look as if they have been been snapped off at the base). The growths don't seem painful at all, although I do occasionally see the girls biting them. Has anyone seen anyone like this before? Do these growths need to be removed?
Thanks in advance for any help!
