What is sticking out of the backside (not vent) of my chicken?

[Fluster Cluck Acres]

Hi all. I noticed this on my 3 1/2 year old ISA Brown hen today. It seems to be where her back feathers end and her tail feathers begin.

I just washed her poopy butt, so she’s wet in these pics. She happened to be preening her wet feathers right in front of me when I noticed this. I’m not sure I’ve ever inspected this particular area on any chicken so I don’t know if it’s always been there, or if it’s something all chickens have? It doesn’t seem to bother her.

And as I’m sure you can tell from her picture, she is not a healthy chicken overall - I’m aware - but her bigger issue seems to be reproductive, and for some reason I don’t think this is related.

But I’m curious if anyone knows what this thing is. Thanks!!

 

[ChickyCh00k]

Looks like the preen gland....

 

[NatJ]

Looks like the preen gland....

I agree.

I’m not sure I’ve ever inspected this particular area on any chicken so I don’t know if it’s always been there, or if it’s something all chickens have? It doesn’t seem to bother her.

All chickens have it.

(Or if there are any chickens without it, they are fairly rare, and I don't know about them.)

 

[nuthatched]

It's a oil gland, all chickens have one. :]

 

[Fluster Cluck Acres]

Fantastic! Thank you all! This poor girl does not need ONE more issue!