Weird pimple on saddle area

[Baeroth]

Hi,
My Rhode Island red has this weird pimple looking thing growing on her saddle area. It appears to have tiny feathers growing out of it. Any ideas on what it is?

 

[enola]

Her oil gland

 

[dawg53]

Hi,
My Rhode Island red has this weird pimple looking thing growing on her saddle area. It appears to have tiny feathers growing out of it. Any ideas on what it is?

Enola is correct, oil gland. Dont mess with it.

 

[Baeroth]

She was pecking at it and I've never noticed it before on any of the hens. Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[KarliRae]

They get oil out from there and spread it around their feathers. That's why she was "pecking" at it. It's also called the "preen gland" at least in ducks.