Whats that bump on the tail feather! they tend to clean it............

[happyhens44]

I reconized in the tail feathers, in the center, theres a little bump thing. And when they clean themselves they always run there beak across that. Do you know what that is! all my chickens have it. I know its not a not something unnatural.

thank, do you know?

 

[Illia]

It is completely natural. It's a scent gland.

 

[happyhens44]

A scent gland on the tail feather! weird... Thanks

 

[Attack Chicken]

Yup it's normal!Oil gland They wipe their beaks on it for the oil that it makes. They then preen their feathers spreading the oil from the gland onto the feathers.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Oil, or preen gland; not a scent gland.

 

[happyhens44]

wow thats really cool

 

[RAREROO]

Yep, oil gland, not a scent gland. They rub on it to help distribute the oil on their feathers.

 

[cottagegarden]

I have to smile bc this was a showmanship question for my 9 year old. He still came in first, but did not know the name of the gland is the Uropygial gland. Now he will never forget it.

 

[hippichick]

Just when you think you know pretty much about poultry, something so simple comes up. I had no idea.

Learned something new today-and learned the correct name for it-although I don't know if I'll remember the name. lol

 

[JeffysMom]

Thank god I found this. I thought it was a tick.