eye ointment???

[Tammy]

I adopted a zebra finch and her right eye looks like it may be infected. it's red and every morning when I check on her it's swollen shut. I sent away for some doxycycline but until then can I use neosporin in the eye? would that help????

[Martie]

I would not use neosporin in the eye for a couple of reasons. First, Neosporin is not made for eyes - and I believe it says in the instructions to not get it in eyes and to wash them out should this occur. Secondly, you always want to avoid using anything greasy on your birds if you can. Oils can migrate through the feathers at an alarming rate leaving your bird in a big mess.

I would wait for the medication. It is difficult to decide about intervening to clean the eye because doing so is very stressful to an already-ill bird that needs all its energy to heal. However, if you feel the bird is very uncomfortable, you might catch it up and apply a warm wet compress to clean and soothe.

I am sure others will have more advice.

Good luck with your bird. Keep us posted?

[Tammy]

thank you -tammy

[Angela&Shalamar]

As with all ill birds I'd offer her the option of some extra heat too.

[Tammy]

I read on another forum that it was safe. I thought it sounded crazy. I ordered some broad spectrum antibiotic online. thanks guys