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Birds--General/Eye infection?

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Expert: - 11/20/2006


Question
Yesterday morning, I woke up to find out that my cockatiel (lutino female) 's left eye was half closed and gummed up. I wasn't that worried, thinking she just had a bad night's sleep. However, the next day, the condition looks far worse off. She can't open her eyes most of the time, and when she does, it's red and watery; the feathers around her eye all fell off, and it looks rather frightening. I applied some eye ointment for humans, but I really don't know what's causing this. Should I be worried? How long will it take to heal?

Answer
Hi, Fira.  Thanks for posting!

You need to get your tiel to an avian veterinarian right away for a medical evaluation (not a cat/dog vet, but an exotic animal vet).  This problem could be caused by a number of things and your tiel likely needs antibiotics that only a vet can provide.  The vet can diagnose the problem and give you the correct antibiotic for what ails your bird.

Chrys  

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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