My cockatiel's eye is swollen and closed. What should I do now?

There is an extensive list of possibilities for why your cockatiel keeps her eye closed most of the time. Some possibilities include bacterial or viral infections, trauma to the eye, inflammation from a foreign object stuck in the eye, tumors or cysts on the insides of the eyelids, pressure inside or behind the eye from an underlying disease process, etc. However, when a bird keeps one or both eyes closed it is usually an indication of pain (in the case of trauma) or poor health. Whether the problem is curable or not can only be determined once an evaluation and diagnosis of the problem has been made. I strongly suggest you take your bird to an exotic species veterinarian for a physical exam. Your vet will be able to use special tests and diagnostic equipment to determine the cause of the eye problem and offer you treatment options.

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. Differential diagnosis must include upper respiratory tract inflammation/infections. 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.

This is probably due to either an eye infection or an upper respiratory infection. in some cases vitamin A deficiency can also contribute to these conditions. i would recommend taking him to the vet ASAP in order to get this checked and treated, he will probably need antibiotics.

Unfortunately, if the eye is infected it needs to be seen in person by a vet (even if it isn't an avian-specific vet) in order for medication to be prescribed. Keeping Karo separated in a warm hospital cage with easy access to food and water, and continuing to remove any debris from the eye can help until you can find a vet near you.

Crestwood Animal Hospital in your area is listed as possibly seeing exotics/birds so you may want to give them a call if Rococo continues to act ill. In the meantime, keeping him warm in a separated hospital cage from your other birds, and eating and drinking may help with any illness. If the eye has any discharge, keeping it clean with a warm washcloth and free of debris may also help. You can also look for parasites or other skin issues around the eye that may need to be treated.

Thanks for reaching out about Clyde and including photos. The conjunctiva does appear a little inflamed. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. A trauma or infection are most likely. Monitor for self trauma (scratching) can be an indication of discomfort. Good luck.

Unfortunately, we cannot prescribe medications over the internet without an in-person exam. If the eye is very swollen and has something stuck in it, it is best to seek veterinary care in person. They can examine the eye and prescribe any medications or treatments as needed. Until you can get to the vet, moving Aci to a hospital cage away from other birds to prevent getting picked on may help, as well as using a clean washcloth to remove any debris gently until the eye can be treated.