Vent gleet (also called cloacitis) is a common—but distressing—yeast infection that affects the vent area of hens. Left untreated, it can lead to discomfort, secondary bacterial infections, and reduced egg production. In this post, we’ll walk through what vent gleet looks like, why it happens, and exactly how to nurse your hen back to health.

What Is Vent Gleet?

Vent gleet arises when Candida (a naturally occurring yeast) overgrows around the cloaca (vent). Healthy hens keep this area clean and dry through preening, but factors like damp bedding, poor coop ventilation, or antibiotics can tip the balance in yeast’s favor.

Key symptoms to watch for:

• Swollen, red, bumpy skin around the vent
• Matted feathers and stuck‑on droppings
• Foul or “yeasty” odor
• White, cottage‑cheese‑like discharge
• Pecking or discomfort when sitting

If you spot these signs, early intervention will make all the difference.

Why It Happens

1. Excess Moisture
   Wet litter or spilled water collects around the vent, creating a humid environment where Candida thrives.
2. Antibiotic Use
   Broad‑spectrum antibiotics can kill off beneficial gut bacteria that normally keep yeast in check.
3. Poor Ventilation
   Stale air in winter or a damp coop year‑round encourages fungal growth on feathers and skin.
4. Nutritional Stress
   A sudden diet change or nutrient deficiency can weaken your hen’s natural defenses.

Step‑by‑Step Treatment

1. Isolate & Prepare

• Move her to a clean, dry pen with fresh bedding.
• Gather supplies:
  • Warm water + a teaspoon of salt (or dilute Betadine)
  • Soft cloths or gauze
  • Scissors (small, sharp)
  • Antifungal cream (2% miconazole or clotrimazole)
  • Plain yogurt or poultry probiotic
  • Apple‑cider vinegar (optional)

2. Gentle Cleaning

1. Soak: Submerge just the vent area in warm saline (or Betadine) for 3–5 minutes to soften crusts.
2. Trim: Carefully snip away matted feathers so the skin can breathe.
3. Wipe: Gently pat the area clean with a damp cloth, removing all debris.

3. Dry & Treat

1. Dry Thoroughly: Use a clean, dry cloth or let air‑dry for a minute or two.
2. Apply Cream: Spread a thin layer of antifungal cream around the vent—avoid over‑smothering feathers.
3. Frequency: Repeat morning and evening until redness subsides (usually 5–10 days).

4. Support Her Gut

• Probiotic Boost: Offer plain, unsweetened yogurt (1 Tbsp daily) or a poultry‑specific probiotic in her feed.
• ACV Water: Add 1 Tbsp apple‑cider vinegar per gallon of drinking water to help maintain healthy gut pH.

5. Improve Coop Hygiene

• Bedding: Swap to fresh, absorbent litter. Pine shavings or hemp bedding work well.
• Ventilation: Open ridge vents or screened windows to reduce humidity.
• Feed/Water Placement: Keep feeders and waterers off the ground or on a platform to minimize splashes.

Prevention Tips

Tip: Baffle any direct drafts on roosting areas—ventilation is vital, but chickens don’t like cold gusts in their feathers!

When to Call Your Vet

Most cases of vent gleet resolve with home care—but seek professional help if you notice:

• Black or green foul‑smelling discharge
• Open sores or bleeding
• Lethargy, loss of appetite, or dramatic weight loss
• No improvement after 7–10 days of treatment

A vet may prescribe a stronger topical or systemic antifungal, and check for underlying issues.

Final Thoughts

Vent gleet can be alarming, but with prompt cleaning, targeted antifungal treatment, and improved coop management, you’ll have your hen back to her perky self in no time. Consistent coop hygiene and a balanced flock diet are your best defenses against a recurrence.

Have you dealt with vent gleet before? Share your tips or questions in the comments below! And if you found this guide helpful, subscribe to The Hudstead Farm Blog for more poultry‑care insights and homestead how‑tos.

Happy farming!
— Russell & The Hudstead Team