Hi all.
My girl Elsie's preen gland is big and red and swollen. It makes me feel quite queasy even typing that as it does look quite gross.
I didn't know what it was until I started Googling and discovered all about chickens and their preen glands (it makes me worry what I else I don't have a clue about!).
I had a look at my other girls and theirs are just like extended nipples (am I allowed to use that word before the watershed?
![happy :)](https://chat.allotment-garden.org/Smileys/green/smile.gif)
), with no swelling or redness around them.
Elsie is a bit subdued but then they all are in this heat (all in holes the flowerbeds, under shrubs and in the shade). I don't think it is an infection as she is cool under her wings... Her comb is still quite red and she came running out of the house this morning when I let them out and tucked into her pellets as well as the others.
Does anyone know - is it possible for a preen gland to become blocked? I read on the interworldwidenetwebthingy that problems with preen glands are often associated with a vitamin A deficiency but how does a chicken on ex-batts pellets (none of that cheap stuff for my girls!) with greens or corn or some other veg for late afternoon treat end up with a vit A deficiency? And would giving her a boost of vitamin A help, or make things worse? I was thinking of a tin of mackerel or salmon...
I have made an appointment with my vet (who is fab with chickens) but can't get to see her until tomorrow afternoon so I was wondering if there was anything I could do in the meantime...
Many thanks in advance...