Caring for a blind bird

noribirds

New member
Aug 16, 2020
25
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Parrots
Ahmad (cockatiel), Kulfi & Barfi (IRNS)
Not sure if anyone remembers but few weeks ago I had posted about my IRN Kulfi who has psittacosis. She was on meds for a long time and though the issue did get resolved, the conjunctivitis that came with it ended up getting worse. There was pus alongside her beak and maybe under her right eye and that has now caused her to go blind in that eye. Her treatment is still going on and sheā€™s getting injections for the inflammation and and eye infection but Iā€™m not sure if sheā€™ll ever be able to see again. Her right eye is completely glued shut and the area is swollen.

She also had crop statis last week and we treated her for it and sheā€™s better now. Sheā€™s eating and drinking but Iā€™m worried about her eye and if it could be fatal for her.

Has everyone had a partially blind or blind bird? How do you care for them? I would like some tips.

Iā€™ve already moved her to a small cage along with her mate. (Barfi is healthy and she follows his lead in the cage)

Aside from the treatment going on, what more can I for my baby? Is it safe to let her out of her cage? her wings are not clipped and with one eye, Iā€™m afraid sheā€™ll hurt herself.

She also seems to rub the closed eye on her perch a lot.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Thank you for an update, continued deep respect for your dedication! Sorry to know Kulfi has lost vision in one eye, hope the infection completely resolves soon.

I have no experience with a partially blind bird, but imagine they readily adapt with remaining eye. Might try letting her out of the cage in enclosed safe area to judge her actions. My guess is she'll be cautious given familiar surroundings and people.

As for rubbing closed eye, it must be uncomfortable and a natural reaction. Hopefully the area will heal with protective tissue once infection cured.
 

Laurasea

Well-known member
Aug 2, 2018
12,593
10,702
USA
Parrots
Full house
You can hold warm clith over eye to try and soak crusty away. Often eye drops hsve to be prescribed, thet might prescribe more than one type, like a lubricant and antibiotics eye drop as well as one for inflammation or a combo....
You can use saline eye flush fir humans sold over the counter to flush eye .

What antibiotics are they using? Can they fo a culture and sensitivity test to see which antibiotics the infection is sensitive to?

You are doing great!!! . I sure hope this infection is almost beat. Sonetines it can be a long haul....
 
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SailBoat

Supporting Member
Jul 10, 2015
17,646
10,008
Western, Michigan
Parrots
DYH Amazon
Thank you for your ongoing effects with Kulfi. She is so very lucky to have you and her cage partner. I admit to having a soft place in my heart for Parrots with limited or no sight. They are such lovers as they appreciated everything one does for them.

There is a couple of group on the Web that have been my go to source for years. Web search Blind Birds and/or Blind Parrots. Sometimes, I have found them in an area of Handicapped Birds and/or Handicapped Parrots. The innovation continues to amaze me.

It's been several years, but the basics remain in-place.
- Stability in their surroundings is extremely important.
- Clearly, introduction of new things or rearranging their World is something that is done over extended time!
- Keeping her World lower and with a softer bottom helps should she fall. Many years ago, my dear wife found a set of doll house sheets and pillows cases that she would use as soft areas and as a pattern for larger surfaces with padding inside. Remember to have spares, as one simply changes the covers for washings.
- Your effort in providing a small cage is right-on the mark.
- Sunshine is felt as much as it is seen, assure she gets sunshine time!
 
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