Ask Lafeber

Lutino Cockatiel age 12 staring straight up

Hi, I know the Lutios have genetic problems and tend to go blind but my baby has been staring at the ceiling with a twisted head. She keeps falling off perch and has to be shown where food and water are. How do I know when she is suffering- or is she now? What should I do to keep her most comfortable ? I took perches out but she then steps in her waste so that’s not good. What size perch is easiest to hold onto for her, she uses a wider twisted cloth perch now. Thank you. This is so sad.

Hi,

I’m not aware of any tendency for the lutinos to go blind. They can have genetic issues – but many of the mutations do because of inbreeding. Whatever is wrong with the bird, you need to take her to an Avian vet to be diagnosed and treated.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda