Weird bump on near Hen’s tail … what is it and how to heal it?

[erinewski]

Hi Everyone. My one hen has a weird bump on the back of her near her tail. Does anyone know what it is and how to heal it? It started out as a bump about the size of a quarter and has now become concave looking. She has had it for about 2 months. You will notice that she is healing from being pecked by one of my other hens. I have tried to look this up in some of my chicken books but can’t seem to figure out what it is. Does it need to fully heal before putting her back in the flock? Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

The preen or oil gland is the little protrusion on the left. You can use a warm wet cloth as a compress for 15 minutes while holding her a couple of times a day. That will soften the area. I would clean it with a disinfectant and then apply antibiotic ointment after that. Does there seem to be pus inside of the wound? Here is some reading about it:
https://bitchinchickens.com/2020/05/28/chicken-preening-uropygial-gland/