Strange lump on rooster's back - should this be there?

[EssleyJane]

Hi everyone,

Further to my earlier post of strange behaviour from my rooster, I've just discovered a strange lump on his back.

I saw it when he stretched and spread out his feathers, and being a newbie, I'm not sure if it should be there

For background info, lately he's been acting really lethargic - sitting down and sleeping for most of the day. He had a bit of a gunky eye, too. I've managed to get him some Terramycin, which I started him on yesterday, no visible improvement as yet but still early days. Coop has been disinfected thoroughly this morning.

So here's a pic of this strange lump - can anyone offer any wisdom? It's in the middle of his back, down the spine I guess, about 3 inches above vent.

 

[imtc]

that's his oil gland. It's Supposed to be there.....needed for preening.

Here's another BYC page talking about it. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=3107860

 

[Katy]

I can't tell much from the picture, but if it's where his tail meets his back it's his oil gland.

 

[geebs]

uropygial gland for preening... It is at the top of the tail at the base of the back where they meet. Lethargic.. Something else...

 

[Moochie]

I was worried the first time I saw an oil gland too.
For my chickens it's like their tickle spot!

 

[EssleyJane]

Oh yay!!

I'm really glad it's nothing that shouldn't be there

I saw it and started to panic a bit.

Geebs: the lethargy, desperately working on it

Thanks everyone for the replies, and putting my mind at rest