Ingrown Feather or Injury?

[deviflux]

Anyone seen something like this on a chicken before? I have no idea how long it’s been there, but I noticed it this week when molting exposed the back of her neck. It’s the wrong location for the preen gland. I don’t see any kind of open wound or evidence of a healing one.

Can chickens get ingrown feathers? Or is it some kind of injury? Should I leave it alone and just keep an eye on it or does it need immediate first aid?

 

[DobieLover]

Can chickens get ingrown feathers?

Yes. They can.
I'd be inclined to give it a squeeze.

 

[deviflux]

Yes. They can.
I'd be inclined to give it a squeeze.

Thank you! Not much gets to me, but I’m irrationally squeamish about giving poppable things a squeeze
I gave it a warm compress and the next day the tip of a feather started to break through and the size is way down.