Vent Gleet

Vent gleet is the common name given to a cloacal fungal infection caused by Candida albicans; it presents in a similar way to thrush.

In general hens will continue to eat and drink normally.
Vent gleet can be transmitted by a cockerel if kept with infected hens.
Symptoms can recur and may be difficult to completely resolve.

Symptoms

Sticky yellow whiteish paste-like discharge from vent.
Hard white crusting on dirty tail feathers.
Strong unpleasant smell.

Causes

Often a secondary problem following a pecking injury to the vent, prolapse or other Candida infection (such as sour crop).
Can occur following a course of antibiotics.
Can be linked to Herpes virus (if a cockerel is present within the flock).

Guidance

Note that this home remedy is not intended to offer a cure or replace veterinary treatment, but may alleviate symptoms where no professional support is easily available. The suggestions are based on experience gained with our own hens.

Home remedy:

Step 1. Put two tablespoons of Epsom salts into a washing up bowl half full of comfortably hot water.
Step 2. Sit your hen into the water and allow her to soak her bottom for a good 10 minutes – she will probably enjoy this and may start to nod off! (Figure 1).
Step 3. Take her out and pat the wet area dry with a clean old towel.
Step 4. Apply Canesten cream (Figure 2) around the vent area including just inside the vent entrance.
Step 5. Add apple cider vinegar to drinking water and provide a probiotic daily.
Step 6. Repeat the bath every 48 hours and re-apply the cream until you see improvement.

Symptoms

Causes

Guidance

Prevention

Sign up for our newsletters

Follow us

The BHWT is the charity that changes the lives of thousands of hens every year.

© 2023 British Hen Welfare Trust | Company Number 8057493 | Registered Charity Number 1147356. Copyright All rights reserved.

Adopt Hens

Donate

Hen Helpline