Why Do My Chickens Have Messy Bottoms?
What is the likely cause of the sticky feathers around the vent, the smell and general poor condition of the bird. Is it Vent Gleet?
Watch AskPhill 18 Video to learn how to prevent it and how to treat it.
Despite his man-flu, Phill battles through to describe this rarely discussed condition. Phill focuses on the causes of Vent Gleet, a serious condition if left untreated and what you can do to remedy it.
One thing that was missed in the video is that due to the nature of the yeasty bacteria, the over-the-counter Canesten Cream can be very effective when applied to the hen's vent daily.
Vent Gleet, also known as cloacitis or thrush, is a common condition in chickens that affects the vent or cloaca, which is the opening through which the chicken excretes waste and lays eggs.
This bacterial infection is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus that is normally present in the chicken's digestive system but can proliferate under certain conditions.
Symptoms of vent gleet in chickens may include a foul-smelling discharge from the vent, inflammation, swelling, and redness of the vent area, and a decrease in egg production.
Chickens with vent gleet may also have difficulty defecating and may appear weak or lethargic.
Treatment for vent gleet in chickens typically involves administering antifungal medication, as well as improving the chicken's diet and living conditions to reduce stress and promote good digestive health.
It is important to seek veterinary advice for the appropriate treatment of vent gleet in chickens to prevent the spread of the infection to other birds. For a general guide to chicken health symptoms see our Chicken Health Checkup Chart.
