phenna_family Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Hi tonight we brought our chickens in to dry as they had been stood in the rain, so we towel dryed them. Then they started pruning themselves, when they lifted up there feathers just at the top of their tail feathers is what I can only describe as it looks like a hamster tail, both chickens have this..... does anyone know what it is or what it is called, me and my hubby are just curious. Claire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Its their preen gland - while preening they stimulate it with their beaks and get a 'conditioning fluid' that they work through their feathers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Do you mean on their backs just where the tails start, a little stumpy thing? If so, it's the preen gland, which they keep dipping back to, so as to spread the oils. Is that what you saw? It does look odd the first time you notice it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phenna_family Posted May 16, 2007 Author Share Posted May 16, 2007 yes thats it , I am so glad I know what it is, thank you so much for that. i must tell hubby. Claire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
