Can someone tell me what this is??

[Mynard]

A few days ago i took in 4 Spice finch (adopted from the petstore) i was told other then being treated for mites they were in ok condition (minus thier mangled feathers)
But today i saw this on one of my Spice finch (at the start of the tail feathers)....What is that?? and more important how do i get rid of it??







The photos arent the greatest but im hoping someone can tell me
Thanks

[L in Ontario]

That is perfectly normal and is on all finches (most bigger birds too). It's the preening gland which contains oils that they bird get with their beaks and preen through their feathers.

Nothing to worry about at all.

[Mynard]

Thank-you! i was so scared that she/he has some kind of infection it shocked me-pretty bad.
will this cover up better after a molt or feather growth? is there any special precautions to take?
Ty so much for your help

[L in Ontario]

You don't need to do anything at all - feathers will eventually cover it up.

[Mynard]

Thanks Liz
Id be going crazy by now without you guys,im so thankful for this forum

[L in Ontario]

More than welcome, Tania. I was in the same boat when I first saw it on my Star finch a couple of years ago.

[Mynard]

Its a scary looking thing,i though a cyst or something worse then it was.All my other finches are plump little guys so id never seen anything like that before...
But on the plus theyve been acting more like normal birds,eating being active.i even heard 2 sing, their song is so quite you could easily miss it,the other 2 just chirp and call but its a uniqe call.Im hooked on these little guys,i really hope that i can get them in better condition