Swollen Preen Gland

[byc-andy]

I have two hens presenting with what appears to be an infected preen gland.

The two with the problem are behaving normally, but it doesn’t appear to be getting any better. I would guess that the glands on these two have been protruding like this for 1-2 weeks now with no changes.

I am unable to produce oil by massaging the area, so it appears that the gland is not functioning properly. Touching the area doesn’t seem to bother the chickens all that much.

Any thoughts or recommendations for at home tx for this sort of thing?

 

[Eggcessive]

I have never seen pictures of a preen gland that looked hollowed out as that one does. Usually they are swollen and pink. This looks like it was pecked and damaged. I would try some warm wet compresses for 10 minutes several times a day, and then apply some plain Neosporin or Betadine to it afterward.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have two hens presenting with what appears to be an infected preen gland.

The two with the problem are behaving normally, but it doesn’t appear to be getting any better. I would guess that the glands on these two have been protruding like this for 1-2 weeks now with no changes.

I am unable to produce oil by massaging the area, so it appears that the gland is not functioning properly. Touching the area doesn’t seem to bother the chickens all that much.

Any thoughts or recommendations for at home tx for this sort of thing?

You have 2 hens with the same issue?

It's interesting. It almost looks like the tissue is impacted with some type of debris or material.

Is vet care an option?

If not, I'd apply the compresses to see if the material will loosen up, then I'd think about pressing or removing that material, cleaning out the hollows.

Do your hens have any mites/lice?
Do you have a rooster?

If you do clean out the hollows, post photos of what you get out and what it looks like afterward.

 

[byc-andy]

You have 2 hens with the same issue?

It's interesting. It almost looks like the tissue is impacted with some type of debris or material.

Is vet care an option?

If not, I'd apply the compresses to see if the material will loosen up, then I'd think about pressing or removing that material, cleaning out the hollows.

Do your hens have any mites/lice?
Do you have a rooster?

If you do clean out the hollows, post photos of what you get out and what it looks like afterward.

View attachment 4042173

> You have 2 hens with the same issue?

Correct, both presenting with the prodruding, hollowed out look you see in the picture.

These came in a group of six, they're rhode island red/barnyard mixes that were previously living in less than ideal conditions (extreme over-crowding). I've had them in my backyard (plenty of space/large run) for about two months. I have not observered any pecking among the group. It's possible the issue was present when I picked them up and just didn't know to check, but imagine it has gotten worse in these past two months given how obvious it is to me now.

> Is vet care an option?

I have not identified a vet yet in my area (Col Sprgs). I wouldn't be opposed.

> Do your hens have any mites/lice?

Not that I have seen so far upon examination.

> Do you have a rooster?

No rooster.

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I'll give the compress/neosporn a try over the course of a week or so and see what happens. So far, It's been pretty tough to scrape much of that gunk out.