Bump on butt- What could it be? Pic*

[sticksoup]

My little BO has a bump on her back close to her butt. I noticed it about a week ago because she opens up her feathers around the area and nibbles at it. I'm guessing the bump must be an irritant since she has pecking at it for at least a week now. It looks a lot like a really really big pimple- although it doesn't feel like one. It is tough, solid and protrudes about a centimeter. I wish the picture was clearer but she was squiming. It does not look like a tick bite. Any advise on what it is would be most appreciated.

 

[Break an Egg]

It's the oil gland. They get oil on their beaks and then preen their feathers. (this is what I've been told)

 

[sticksoup]

Holy cow! I just looked that up and I think you are right! What you learn by paying too much attention to your chickens! Thank you for educating me!

 

[Break an Egg]

No problem, I'm glad it's nothing you need to worry about. I didn't know about the gland until someone told me, and that's the way it goes.

 

[teach1rusl]

HA!! So glad I peaked at his post! I've seen that place on my girls too, and never knew what it was

I thought maybe it was like an ingrown feather shaft or something. I learn something new about chickens just about every day!