Why is my budgie picking feathers and has closed or squinting eyes?

Hello! There are several issues that might be going on with your bird. Mites are a common cause of feather loss on the face. There are certain bacterial and fungal infections that can cause this as well. I noticed that your parakeet also has a cagemate - is it possible that the other bird is over-preening this bird? The only way to determine the cause of the issue is to visit your veterinarian - preferably, a vet that is comfortable treating birds, or a bird-specific vet. The vet will likely take feather and skin samples from your bird and look at them under the microscope to try to determine the cause. There isn't much that you can safely do at home to treat mites, bacteria, or fungi, so visiting your vet is the best way to get your bird the treatment he needs. Best of luck!

Hi, and thanks for your question. Although a picture of it would help to determine the underlying cause more specifically, that is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to an infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

That is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Although a picture would help to determine the underlying cause of it, that is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to an infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

Popcorn is suffering from an eye infection, possibly linked to an upper respiratory infection too. you will need to take him to an avian vet ASAP in order to get it checked and treated, he will probably need antibiotic eye drops and oral antibiotics.

If the eye is bad enough that your budgie is keeping it closed, or if it looks cloudy or glazed over, it is best to seek veterinary care. While a cataract is possible in an older bird, injury or infection to the eye can also cause cloudiness, closing of the eye, or even debris to ooze from it, and should be treated so the eye is not lost or the infection doesn't spread. Keeping your budgie comfortable, eating, drinking and resting until you can get to your vet is best.

You can mist him with warm water to encourage preening. This will promote healthy plunage. If he continues to itch, it may due to mites or infection. These would require an exam with your veterinarian for confirmation. Mites can be treated with an over the counter spray. Read labels v\carefully to confirm the chosen product can be used on birds. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, perches and toys. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Change the cage paper daily. If an infection (bacterial or fungal) is diagnosed, your vet can prescribe the appropriate medication.