Ask Lafeber

Bird eye infection.

I am worried for my zebra finch who cant close their eye and it seem as if his eye is bulging a little. He can’t seem to be able to close it and I’m afraid its an infection. Since there is only so much I could do at my age, I can’t take him to the vet immediately and I don’t know if my parents will allow me too, but I want to help and take care of him as much as possible. I want to know where I can buy medication for him and which medication is the best for it. He seems to be living his normal life as he would every day. It doesn’t look red but it looks dry and his eye is half open. unfortunately there are other 7 finches in the cage with him and we don’t have another cage to separate them. Since he’s been like this since yesterday I reckon they might be infected too. I didn’t notice about his infection yesterday since freshman year started and I feel guilty. Please do understand that I am trying my best to help him even if its a minuscule of help. What can I do for now that can help them right now?

Hi,

I think you are being very responsible in trying to help your birds. In a situation like this, I always recommend that a young owner have a discussion with their parents. Explain that you are trying to be a responsible bird owner, and part of that responsibility is seeking Vet care when necessary. Just as they take you to the doctor when you need to go. They have set an example of responsibility, and you want to do what is right by your pets, and in truth, what is required by law or local ordinances. As a pet owner, you are required to provide adequate housing, food and care for your pets. You do not want to be a neglectful owner, so if medical care is needed, you don’t want to let your pet suffer.

As for the eye, it could be a sign of a respiratory infection, or maybe one of the other birds pecked the eye. With a flock of birds like that, some amount of fighting can occur and even if not trying to cause injury, accidents happen. I would recommend checking pet store ads or yard sales to get a small second cage that can be used if a bird needs to be separated or taken to the Vet. Of course be sure the bar spacing is very close together like I’m sure their current cage has. I can’t recommend any medication because eye ointments are prescription for people and pets, and are not available over the counter. A plain saline eye wash can be used, but this is very hard to try with a finch. Again, discuss with your parents and maybe at least do a first step of getting a small cage so it can be separated. If the bird gets worse, the other birds in the cage are likely to pick on it and hurt it.

Take care,

Brenda