JM Posted June 7, 2008 Share Posted June 7, 2008 I got my 3 chucks on Thursday and noticed that the pepperpot has a little bald spot just in front of her tail. (not very good pics, but will give the idea) It looks OKish - maybe a bit crusty, but certainly not raw or anything moving! She is also bright eyed and bushy tailed (well she doesn't actually have a proper tail yet, but you know what I mean) - and is doing normal chickeny things. There is no sign of any agro between any of the chucks - they all seem to get along fine. (She was a bit messy when she arrived - having sat in a travel crate for about 4 hours on Thursday.) I've picked her up once yesterday, but she is the most timid of the three, so I don't want to stress her unnecessarily this early on. Should I worry or is this part of chickens growing up?! Thanks in advance Jill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 7, 2008 Share Posted June 7, 2008 Looks as if it is her preen gland. It is a little bump that secretes an oil with which they preen their feathers, located just above the tail. I would have a look at it and bathe it if I were you. Use tepid salty water, or water with a couple of drops of Tea Tree Oil. It shouldn't be gunky. Perhaps she has been pecked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JM Posted June 7, 2008 Author Share Posted June 7, 2008 Thanks Egluntine - I knew you would come up with something! (I've been reading chicken books for weeks - so much to learn!) Thanks Jill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jess Posted June 7, 2008 Share Posted June 7, 2008 My Speckeldys Preen gland sticks out quite a bit, do you think this is normal? ... this is open to anyone by the way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JM Posted June 7, 2008 Author Share Posted June 7, 2008 I had a look and bathed the area as suggested. (It was a bit tricky though as I'm still learning about picking them up!) The area looked a bit crusty - almost dandruffy (but I think the dandruff flakes were the keratin (if that is how you spell it) from where new feathers are coming out. Does that make sense? I think maybe she has been pecked in the past. There are new feathers coming in the area, so I'll keep an eye on it. The interesting thing is that everytime I went near her after that, she crouched down... (thinking "oh no not again I guess"!!) Thanks Jill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 7, 2008 Share Posted June 7, 2008 If she is crouching, she will be ready to lay her first egg any time soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
