Preen gland - infected?

Zoidberg · « **on:** February 15, 2008, 12:08 »

Hi all
Does anyone know if it's possible for the preen gland to get infected or blocked?
I have a chicken whose feathers seem to have gotten a little thin around that area and the preen gland looks red and the base of it sort of swollen. I am not 100% sure what is normal but it looks irritated to me. I couldnt find anything specific on the web about chickens in relation to such a thing. Any ideas?
I can post a pic if that would help.
Thanks!

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2008, 12:25 »

I picture might be handy.

They do not usually look inflamed, quite a pale colour actually. Have you checked for lice and mites recently.

Zoidberg · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2008, 15:26 »

Hi
Thanks for the reply. I cannot find any lice or mites, but am reading up on it in case I am not looking properly or for the right thing!

It wasnt' easy to take pics but here's what I have. Sorry I know it's probably not much help!!!

And here is a closeup of just the preen gland itself (through the feathers - sorry!)

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2008, 17:48 »

It does look rather red. Antibiotic ointment would be my suggestion, any chance of getting some from a vet ?

I cant think of any other treatment.

There is a bit of information here : http://www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/uropygial.html

It seems a lack of vitamin A can cause problems, but I think the redness could be an infection even if secondary to another condition.

poultrygeist · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2008, 19:39 »

Wow !
Something else learnt today.

One man's/woman's problem is another man's/woman's lesson.

Thank you.

Rob

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2008, 20:07 »

Were all learning here Rob. I didn't know about the vit A deficiencey until I had a google

poultrygeist · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2008, 20:09 »

Ain't the interweb a wonderful thingy ?!?!

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2008, 22:47 »

Brilliant

Zoidberg · « **Reply #8 on:** February 17, 2008, 05:52 »

Thanks very much for the suggestions!
I did read something about Vit A and wasn't sure if that could be it, but I did give her some fresh fruit to supply some. Carrot wasn't high on her list of favourites!

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2008, 13:29 »

They's love a little bit of chopped liver I'm sure. Very high in vit A and very cheap.

I'd still consider a bit of antibiotic ointment if you can get some.

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Preen gland - infected?

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