Weird shape near tail feathers!

[Posh Chickens]

Okay, my old PR Hen today was preening herself as it is pouring down, and I noticed that she had a maggot kind shape sticking out of her skin! Its not mites or lice, and it is not moving, it is hard, and a pale/white colour, it is worrying me

Any ideas?

ETA: It is just infront the tail feathers.

 

[ghillie]

That is the oil gland they use for preening. Freaked me out first time I saw it. But all your chickens should have one.....

 

[Posh Chickens]

Phew!!!