Weird growth/bump on lower back of chicken

[Halli]

Hello!
My EE has a wierd growth or bump (ingrown feather???) on her back. It's probably "1-2" above her vent.


Anyone know what it is???






Halli

 

[hotrodflash]

It is her preen gland/oil gland.

 

[Halli]

I found it because she was pecking at it a little bit. Not a lot, just a little...

 

[Halli]

Oh! So completely normal?? I'm showing my newbie stripes then! Thanks!!!

 

[hotrodflash]

I found it because she was pecking at it a little bit. Not a lot, just a little...

They rub at it with their beaks to pick up oil so they can rub oil on their feathers. Hence why it is called the "preen" gland.

 

[BantamLover21]

Yes, that is the oil or preen gland. It secretes an oily substance that birds wipe on their feathers during preening in order to clean and waterproof themselves. To get oil out of it, most birds dab at it with their beak, and some may even bite it. I believe that oil glands can get impacted/infected, but your hen's gland appears to be normal.