Weird stumpy thing near back feathers??

[Vamper]

Needing help to find out what this thing is on my Sussex hen. Cane across it after I bathed her. It's right before the huge crest of feathers on her back/bum area.
It's a short thick stem kinda thing with a few short small feathers growing out of it. Approx 8-10mm tall and 2mm thick.

Checked it today and although she let's me touch it.. Obviously a source of annoyance as its coated heavy around it with dirt. Any ideas on what it is??

 

[Eggsoteric]

Preening gland.

 

[Stayc]

its a gland, normal. no worries

 

[Vamper]

I've never noticed that before but then again it was the first time I washed and soaked a chook! ! Thank you! !

 

[WhiteWyan]

Just FYI that gland is something that must be cut out if you are dressing the bird. But I'm assuming if you're bathing her, she's probably not being raised for eating. However if you do ever raise for meat, that's something to take note of.

 

[micstrachan]

Wait until you see her use it! Pretty cool!

 

[Vamper]

Wait until you see her use it! Pretty cool!

Is that when she having a clean. .Rubs her beak in and around it? ?

 

[micstrachan]

Yes! She’s gathering oil to spread on her feathers.