Red/pinkness around both eyes?

[emilymeghann]

Hi, this is my first post. I'm wondering if anyone has ever experienced redness around their budgie's eyes? I have a hen, she's approx. 1 year old, is currently in breeding condition and in a breeding cage with her mate. Yesterday she was fine, but today I noticed pink/reddish rings around both of her eyes. I first thought possibly scaly face, although everything I find about it says that it generally starts at the beak, she has no other signs anywhere on her body. So I'm wondering if it could be a general eye infection, also if there is home treatment, or whether she would need to see an avian vet. She acts normal other than the appearance of her eyes. She chirps, jumps, flies around, hits beaks with her mate, and eats and drinks normally.

Also, the mate has no visible signs of any sort of infection or illness.

Thanks

[SpickyDavies]

do you have a photo?
a budgie will still act normal as ever even when ill, so to avoid being picked out by predators so usually when we notice thesse things it's to late
they are good at hidden having an illnesses

[emilymeghann]

Thanks

I'll go take a photo, not sure how to post it. But its strange that it wasn't gradual at all, the redness, lastnight she was fine, eyes were perfectly normal looking.

[emilymeghann]

I'm beginning to think it's an allergy as its affected both eyes, rather than one, the speed at which the change occured, and the rest of her body is fine, behavior is fine.

[aka.pody]

Is there anything new in the cage? Try to remember if there was something that you might have sprayed. Sometimes things are done without even realizing it. Or are there any scented candles.
Just trying to think of different things that might be causing it.

[emilymeghann]

Well, I cleaned their cage lastnight, but only used vinegar and water, which I always use, and she has never reacted to before. I use corn cob bedding, and I changed that as well, again, she's never reacted to it before, I'll have to call vet and also remove different items in the cage one at a time and see how she reacts, I realize allergies can be developed over time. Thanks

[aka.pody]

Do you mind if I ask why you are using corn cob bedding? Just curious.

If you're using it as a cage liner, this is part of an article on cage liners for birds..

Corn Cob - Once ingested, corn cobs can remain in the body for years before causing illness or death. Ingested corn cobs absorb moisture and swell, which can cause impaction, bleeding and death. Baby birds can also develop bacteria and yeast infections from the ingested material. When wet or in humid climates, cobs can grow Aspergillus molds which cause a respiratory disease in birds. This disease is difficult to treat and can be fatal. The cobs will also absorb moisture from your bird's droppings, promoting growth of organisms and hiding loose poops. It's a poor material for examining droppings. (Winged Wisdom Magazine)

Not saying that might be the cause. Maybe it will be best to give the vet a call after all.

[emilymeghann]

I was using corn cob bedding because the pet store told me it was the best thing to use. I obviously didn't know any of that or I wouldn't have used it. I didn't spend the time to research the bedding that I was told to use, as all my time was being spent researching foods, metals, woods, and all other materials safe for budgies.

I can't get a really clear picture of her eye, but here's one.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad171/emilymeghanne/DSCI0083.jpg

[aka.pody]

I've learned as many members here have to never ever listen to the pet store people. They would sell you a dog rawhide and say it's good for the birds.

Her eye does look red all around it. You don't have one of those pink mineral blocks in the cage do you?

As far as a cage liner, most of us just use newspaper. If you prefer you can use those cheap paper towels. Paper is the easiest, cheapest and safest thing to use.
Any of that loose stuff will just hold bacteria and moisture.

[emilymeghann]

Also, that particular pet store, Pet Valu, had budgies, cockatiels, zebra finches and lovebirds, all of which were caged with corn cob bedding. Nonetheless, I have removed my own. Thanks

[aka.pody]

Ooo I hate it when stores use that stuff. The only reason they use it is because they don't have to change it too often because it'll hide all the poo and mess that birds make. With some stores I honestly wonder how often they do change it.
Glad you removed it. That's a start anyway. I hope it's nothing serious.

[emilymeghann]

No mineral block, just cuttlebone and chew toys. (as in safe woods, ropes, papers) I started her on a broad spectrum antibiotic today, and will continue for 5 days. If it is an allergy, an antibiotic will not affect it. I asked my veterinarian friend and he said to try the antibiotic for a couple days. Unfortunately he was only able to look at my pictures, but will bring her to vet if antibiotics doesnt seem to be taking affect in 2 days.

[emilymeghann]

Is anyone familiar with color mutations, and distinguishing english budgies, I posted pictures of 3 brothers, supposed to be part english, but have no responses, I'd appreciate any input, thanks.

[aka.pody]

Is anyone familiar with color mutations, and distinguishing english budgies, I posted pictures of 3 brothers, supposed to be part english, but have no responses, I'd appreciate any input, thanks.

I don't know where you posted that question, but try posting it in the Breeding Forum under Genetics and Mutations. There's a bunch of good mutation experts here who can help you out. :)

Edit: I just saw where you posted the pictures in the Picture forum. It wasn't that long ago so maybe just give the guys a little time. A lot of the members are in different time zones. :)

[emilymeghann]

Thanks for your help