vent gleet that won't get better!

[kristinn]

Ok so I have a hen that has vent gleet. None of my other hens have EVER gotten this, but with her, I can't seem to get rid of it! I've tried everything I've researched: ACV, Probiotics (both yogurts and topical food powders), epsom salt, topical ointments, warm baths, even did a round of antibiotics.. This has been going on since last fall. I'll bring her in and treat her for weeks at a time, and now even extend treatment, even if she looks like it's cured, for a week or so, just to be sure. But within 2 weeks later she gets it again.. I keep my coop clean and always give ACV in their water. Am I doing something wrong? I really don't want to cull her because she is an awesome layer..

Also, we have NO aviary vets within hours of us :/

 

[Judy]

I've never had to deal with this and, unfortunately, have no advice for you. But I wanted to share this link with you, bacause it's by far the most thorough discussion of vent gleet I've ever seen, and was written by a vet -- just in case you haven't run across it.

http://www.birdhealth.com.au/flockbirds/poultry/diseases/vent_gleet.html

 

[casportpony]

What antibiotics have you tried? Have you tried and antifungals like fluconazole or ketoconazole? Has she been wormed with Safeguard or Valbazen? If she were mine I would worm her and treat her with Baytril. If that didn't work I would try fluconazole. Both can be purchased without a prescription.

FYI, you don't need an avian vet, any vet could check a smear and let you know if you have a bacterial infection or fungal infection and they also have the ability to look up medication doses in their Veterinary Drug books.

-Kathy

 

[casportpony]

I've never had to deal with this and, unfortunately, have no advice for you. But I wanted to share this link with you, bacause it's by far the most thorough discussion of vent gleet I've ever seen, and was written by a vet -- just in case you haven't run across it.

http://www.birdhealth.com.au/flockbirds/poultry/diseases/vent_gleet.html

I agree, that is a great link and what an eye-opener it was for me!

-Kathy

 

[ten chicks]

X2,excellent link,very informative!

 

[kristinn]

Aww man.. that's what I was afraid of


Ty for that link though.

 

[Judy]

It was dawg53 that I got that link from, by the way. Should have given credit where it's due!

 

[CharlieBaby]

I know this is an old post, but I’m proof that people are still reading it in 2025 The link above is now broken. Here’s the updated one, for anyone looking: https://www.birdhealth.com.au/vent-gleet

Edit: I disagree with the article’s recommendation to cull chickens who don’t quickly respond to treatment. I’ve had birds who have lived happily with vent gleet for years. Some chickens are more prone to it and resistant to treatment — at least treatments I’ve tried — but it is not a death sentence.