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About Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott
Expertise
Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides. Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care. No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication. Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.

Experience
Certified Avian Specialist. For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.

Organizations
4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more

Publications
Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.

Education/Credentials
Doctorate, Ordained Minister

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Birds > Parrots > Discolored Congo African Grey Eye

Parrots - Discolored Congo African Grey Eye

Expert: Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott - 10/31/2009

Question

Dewey's Left Eye

Good evening Rev. Dr. Abbott. I have a concern about the color of my Congo African Grey's left eye. I put him to sleep as usual in his cage, checking him thoroughly before I did so. However, when I took him out the next morning, he developed a small pool of blood at the bottom of his eye. The eye also turned a more orange color compared to the conventional pale color. He holds it open normally though, and doesn't scratch at it or anything, so I'm not sure if it is an infection or maybe he hit himself with one of his toys or on his cage, because he is very clumsy. I would like to know the urgency of the situation and if it is in my power to handle it, because my parents don't have the money to take him to the vet at the moment. Thank you for considering my problem.

Answer
This doesn't look like an emergency right now and as long as you don't see it getting worse or any other changes in Dewey's behavior such as eating less or not eating at all - let's try this for the next 24 hours:

Boric acid solution may be tried in order to control secondary infections and provide some soothing relief: 1 tablespoon boric acid + 1 quart of water. Bring to a boil and then let cool.

Simple saline solution, what you’d use to rinse contact lenses in, is also an option; however, plain, clean (bottled) water without additives in it is safe and easy

If you notice this getting worse or Dewey not eating as usual - don't waste any time in setting up a vet appointment.

I know it's probably an unexpected expense, but just like we need to be prepared for such things when it comes to our family members getting ill or injured, we owe it to our birds too. Especially the highly intelligent and very loving Grey, like yours.

Another concern I have is that Dewey is a bit clumsy.   Sometimes, especially with Grey's, this is due to a nutritional deficiency.

Fatty liver disease is something that is often seen in a bird on a seed only or predominantly seed diet. No matter how much the manufacturer insists they are fortified and healthy, they are misleading all of us.

Skeletal problems, deficiencies and even toxicities can cause various symptoms too, even though they seem very unrelated.   Anything from loss of balance in some birds, as well as the more common symptoms such as breathing difficulties/breathing with beak open, restlessness, nervousness, acting afraid of usual things, startling easily and so on.

Zinc and other toxic metals or substances can be ingested slowly over time when toys, clasps, chains, links or even cages are chewed on or played with. Other poisonings occur when the bird actually swallows a toy, link or piece of one. Watch out for bell clappers for instance.

Vitamin A/Beta Carotene, on the other hand, is frequently found to be deficient in birds. This is a fat soluble vitamin which means it gets stored in the fat cells of the body, so it’s possible to overdose on it. With our companion birds though, too little is the situation most often encountered.

The symptoms a bird will show when deficient are increased allergic reactions, respiratory/sinus infections, reproductive problems, skin and feather disorders, even cysts and tumors, as well as various intestinal complications.

Vitamin A is most ideally received from natural foods like sweet potatoes, yams, carrots, squash and other dark colored vegetables. If your bird doesn’t care for fresh vegetables, a ½ teaspoon of natural baby food (human baby food) of any of these vegetables. Again, it must be all natural and nothing but the vegetable with water sufficient for processing.

http://www.parrotsociety.org.au/articles/art_021.htm   Nutritional Overview

------------ and of course there's always the best birdy page ever: www.4AnimalCare.org/birds

Good luck with your little fellow and keep up the good work

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