What is this? pic included

[waitin on eggs]

I was washing one of my girls poopy butts today and at the base of her back just above the taile feathers, I saw this it is about 1" out from her body and is approx 3/8"diameter, If you look closely you can see little fuzzies on the end.

 

[Desert Rooster]

that is her oil gland, all chickens have it, they use it to preen themselves

 

[Domestic_goddess]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygostyle

It's an oil gland, but it also has small bones on the end of the tail call pygostyle. If you watch them, they will use this when preening thier feathers.

 

[waitin on eggs]

Whew!! I thought something was wrong. Thank you for taking time for my STUPIDITY! I really feel like an idiot now I honestly didn't know

, I never noticed it on the others. Thanks again for your quick response

 

[drumstick diva]

You aren't stupid, you are observant. I never knew that either, and I betcha there are plenty chicken people who didn't have a clue.

 

[waitin on eggs]

Quote:
Thank you, I just feel a little foolish, However I would certainly feel worse if I didn't ask and it was something serious. You made me smile

 

[TomG]

Quote:
Yeah, I had no clue and now I do ... thanks!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I have a LOT of chickens, and I didn't know where it was either!

 

[thaokou21]

that was funny. it may me laugh... U are learning so thats good..