[shetan]

i was just wondering if in-grown feathers is a common problem.

i was checking over one of my girls and she had what looked  like a huge pimple with an open black hole. i put a little pressure around it and a sticky, greasy feather came out. i had to pull most of it out gently and when i i pressed again lots and lots of dry puss came out. i drained it entirely and then washed with diluted dettol before spraying with purple spray.

do i need to do anything else? she's fine - broody but ok otherwise.

[joyfull]

where abouts on the hen was it? Never noticed one on any of my chickens.

[jinty1911]

When my goldtop, Grace, was not very well, I took her to the vet and she found a lump on her back.  Said it could be a feather cyst or tumour.  Within a few days the chicken's back was covered in lumps.  I did everything I could with antibiotics and sprays but it must have been tumours as she didn't survive.  Luckily, you chicken sound as if she has a feather cyst.  Just keep it clean and watch the other girls don't peck her.

[shetan]

it was next to where her hips would be(?) . i got all of the feather out as it was in 3 pieces. i've checked on her again and also checked for other lumps and bumps bit she's fine. she was feeling broody (i think. it could have been because the cockerel died or because i found some lice eggs on her) and it was hard to get her out of the coop but she's feeding and drinking properly now so i think all is well.

[ManicMum]

That can happen with humans, too - I knew a teenager who had to have an in-growing hair cut out of his back but it didn't recur.