Bird Conjunctivitis

When a bird’s eyes become red, swollen, or discharge fluid, it's often a sign of conjunctivitis an inflammation of the protective membrane around the eye. This condition can be more than just a surface irritation; it frequently signals a serious underlying systemic disease, infection, or environmental crisis. Because a bird’s health can deteriorate quickly, any sign of eye trouble demands immediate assessment by an avian specialist.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eyelid and membrane surrounding the eye.
It is often a primary symptom of dangerous systemic infections like Chlamydia or Mycoplasma.
Causes are highly varied, ranging from simple environmental irritants to severe bacterial or viral pathogens.
Prompt veterinary care is essential for accurate diagnosis and preservation of the bird's sight and overall health.

Why Does My Bird Get Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis in birds is caused by the exposure of the delicate eye tissues to infectious agents, physical trauma, or harsh environmental conditions. The most common infectious causes are bacteria (like Staphylococcus or E. coli), viruses, and Chlamydiosis (Psittacosis), which is highly contagious and zoonotic (transmissible to humans). Non-infectious causes include foreign bodies (dust, seed hulls), nutritional deficiencies (especially Vitamin A) and exposure to airborne irritants like smoke, sprays, or poor air quality.

Types of Avian Eye Infection

The classification often relates directly to the underlying cause, which is crucial for determining the correct treatment protocol:

Bacterial/Fungal

Caused by microbial overgrowth or introduction to the eye. This typically presents with thick, colored discharge (yellow or green) and sticky eyelids. Often treated effectively with targeted ophthalmic antibiotics or antifungals.

Viral

Often associated with upper respiratory diseases, leading to redness and watery discharge. Viruses are harder to treat directly; care focuses on managing secondary bacterial infections and providing supportive relief.

Chlamydophila

A severe, systemic disease where conjunctivitis is a hallmark symptom. It may present as unilateral (one eye) or bilateral (both eyes) swelling and discharge, often with concurrent respiratory issues and lethargy. Requires long-term systemic antibiotics.

Mycoplasma (Finches/Sparrows)

Highly common in wild birds and sometimes seen in pet birds. Causes severe swelling of the eyelids that can make the bird temporarily blind and unable to eat.

Symptoms of Bird Conjunctivitis

It is important to look for a combination of signs, as they can quickly progress from mild irritation to a full emergency.

Redness and Swelling

The eyelids and the tissues immediately surrounding the eye appear visibly inflamed, puffy, or bright red.

Excessive Blinking or Squinting

The bird appears sensitive to light (photophobia) or attempts to relieve the discomfort by constantly blinking or keeping the eye partially closed.

Rubbing or Scratching

The bird frequently rubs its eye on perches, bars, or the owner's shoulder in an attempt to alleviate severe itchiness or pain.

Weight Loss and Lethargy

If the infection is systemic (like Chlamydia), the bird will also show general signs of severe sickness, lack of appetite, and weakness.

Discharge

This can range from clear and watery (often early-stage irritation or allergy) to thick, sticky, purulent (pus-filled) discharge (indicating bacterial infection).

Feather Matting

Feathers around the eye are wet, sticky, or matted together due to chronic discharge.

Visible Foreign Body

A seed hull, dust particle, or plant fiber may be visible on the surface of the eye or beneath the lid.

Prevention & Bird Care

Air Quality Control

Use air purifiers and humidifiers, and strictly avoid all aerosols, cigarette smoke and strong cleaning fumes near your bird.

Regular Cleaning

Maintain scrupulous cage hygiene to prevent the build-up of dust, feces, and seed hulls that can irritate the eyes.

Balanced Diet

Ensure the bird receives a pelleted diet supplemented with Vitamin A-rich fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, dark leafy greens).

Medication Compliance

Administer all drops and oral medications exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms seem resolved, to prevent recurrence.

Follow-up Testing

Ensure required re-tests (e.g., Chlamydia testing) are completed to confirm the infection has been fully cleared.

Bird Eye Infection FAQ

Not always. Redness can also signal trauma or, in rare cases, glaucoma, but it should always be investigated promptly by a specialist.

Yes, the bacterial agent Chlamydia psittaci (Psittacosis) can cause severe flu-like illness in humans. Proper hygiene is essential.

Never. Most human ophthalmic products are formulated for different eye pressures and tissues and can contain ingredients that are toxic or severely irritating to birds.

Vitamin A is essential for the health of mucous membranes, including those in the eye. A deficiency can cause them to fail, leading to chronic dryness and infection.

Treatment duration varies. Simple irritants resolve quickly, but systemic infections like Chlamydia require up to 45 days of continuous medication.

Yes. Similar symptoms may point to chronic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, or severe stress. Consult our other specialized treatment pages to learn more.