We were often asked this question – “Why do birds close one eye?”
You may have noticed your pet with one eye closed, and this leaves you scrambling for answers and wondering if something is not right with your precious bird.
After all, adopting or owning a pet requires a lot of work. And you want to make sure that your little one is doing okay.
So, if you see that your bird is acting this way, and you are worried if it’s doing okay, keep reading to learn more about why this happens and what you can do about it.
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Why Do Birds Close One Eye?
So let’s talk about why this actually happens. This will help you understand the condition of your pet and if you should be alarmed and concerned about it.
You may want to know that there are instances when closing one eye could simply mean that your pet is blinking or winking in a slow manner. But at the same time, there are other reasons why closing one eye occurs, which is not something to be taken lightly.
So, it helps to know the difference between the two before you begin to panic.
This is why today, we’ll talk more about the reasons why birds close one eye and if this is normal or not.
1. Bacterial Cause
Birds can get bacterial infections during the course of their life. In fact, they can develop eye disorders because of parasites getting into their eyes. For instance, mycobacteriosis or avian tuberculosis can affect birds. This disease is difficult to treat, which is why your pet will require urgent medical attention when you suspect this type of infection affecting your bird.
2. Salmonellosis
Another type of bacterial infection is salmonellosis. It affects the bird’s intestines and is caused by salmonella bacteria. Some of the most common symptoms of this disease include birds closing one eye, as well as swollen eyelids. They may also have inflamed lining of their eyelids.
3. Psittacosis
Other known as parrot fever or chlamydiosis, this infection causes eye discharge, which leads to birds closing one eye. There may also be other symptoms present such as loss of appetite, depression, and breathing issues. You may also see your pet lethargic and suffering from depression.
4. Vitamin A Deficiency
When your bird suffers from vitamin A deficiency, eye problems may arise. This is why they may close one eye from time to time. Other symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include respiratory issues, loss of appetite, tail bobbing, and diarrhea. And most importantly, swollen eyes are typical among birds that are deficient in vitamin A.
5. Conjunctivitis
Just like with humans, birds that suffer from conjunctivitis may have eyes that seem swollen and develop crust. Their eyes may also turn red and runny, which is why they may close one eye occasionally.
6. Mites
Mites are also common issues among birds with one eye closed. These tiny creatures are powdery-looking or may resemble a honeycomb appearance. Mites form close to the eyes, beak and cere of your bird. This is why it should be easy to identify if your bird is suffering from mite infestation.
What To Do With Eye Infection In Birds
If you suspect that your pet is suffering from an eye infection due to bacteria or parasites, it is best to have a vet check and diagnose the cause of the problem.
In most cases, vets would recommend birds to stay in isolation. This will prevent the infection from spreading and affecting other pets in the household. It is also important to begin the treatment process sooner than later. This way, it can guarantee your pet’s quick recovery.
As for home remedies for eye infection in birds, there are a few things you can do. But the very first thing to do is to identify the cause. This will allow you to determine the right course of action to take and make sure it will not do more harm than good for your pet.
You may also want to consider checking if there is a foreign material lodged into your pet’s eyes. These obstructions may be causing irritation, which is why removing them should reduce the redness, swelling and discomfort that your pet is experiencing.
When attempting to remove any foreign object, you need to use clean gloves and fresh towels to prevent further irritation and infection.
But if the symptoms are mild, your pet may be prescribed some eye drop with antibiotic components to address the issue. Considering the many options in treating a bird’s eye problem, it is essential to know what the cause of the issue is to ensure proper treatment for your pet.
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Final Thoughts
Birds close one eye because of a number of reasons. There may be an infection present, or perhaps there are foreign objects in your pet’s eye. In some other instances, mites or a vitamin A deficiency may be causing this issue.
So, the best thing to do is to observe your pet’s eye. If you see that there is chemical dust or any foreign material, you need to get it out carefully using the right tools and techniques. You may also want to take your pet to the vet for this, if you are uncertain on how to go about it.
But in the case of an infection, a specially medicated eye treatment is prescribed. Your vet knows more about the best route to take, which is why a check up is most important to ensure proper treatment and prevent further issues from developing in your pet’s eyes.
We hope this post has been helpful, so you are properly guided on what to do next to keep your pet healthy and well.
