Shafttail going blind

mrshorn · Post by **mrshorn** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:52 pm

My husband bought Captain Jack in May as a surprise for me. We noticed the day after we got him that his left eye was all gray. He got his name from the concept of the eye patch on a pirate and even though his name is Captain Jack Sparrow, we thought the name was appropriate. Captain Jack Finch

. During a cage clean out two days ago, I noticed his right eye is starting to turn gray also. We noticed if the lights were out, he has a harder time roosting in his spot, but otherwise gets around okay. Is there anything we can do for him? He is such a happy little guy, and has never been anything but kind to his roommates. We bought him a buddy a couple weeks later and named him Barbossa. We kept the names in the Pirates of the Caribbean theme.

poohbear · Post by **poohbear** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 3:33 am

I read on an Australian forum of a blind gouldian who lived for years...the pictures showed an otherwise healthy bird.
Can't find it now.....

B CAMP · Post by **B CAMP** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:34 am

Here is a nice story of a gouldian thats blind
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze8aart/id13.html
Not sure if this is same one paul saw

poohbear · Post by **poohbear** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 10:08 am

That's the one...amazing

Ursula · Post by **Ursula** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 11:01 am

Wow, what an amazing story!

And what an amazing lady to raise and care for this bird so patiently!

I'm so sorry about your shaftail! But I'm sure, reading this story, he'll be ok. As long as you can keep him in the exact same environment he should be able to still get around. After all, compared to the gouldian, he knows already how to eat and drink...

CandoAviary · Post by **CandoAviary** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 1:29 pm

That story touches my heart every time I read it. Lazlo is the most determined chick ever and Christine is the kindest breeders around

cindy · Post by **cindy** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:45 pm

It could be a mycoplasma caused conjunctivitis or bacterial, is there any discharge or crusting? Or it could be cataracts which can be seen in some aging birds. I would keep a watch on it and if the same symptoms start showing in your other birds I would consult an avian vet.

mrshorn · Post by **mrshorn** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:32 pm

Absolutely no discharge, thank God. I am thinking it is more like cataracts. None of the other finches have this going on. We have no idea how old he was when the hubs bought him. He seems like a young adult to me, but that might just be wishful thinking. He is active, eats plenty, sings at us, and loves to play on his swing. Our computer faces his cage, and I love looking up to watch him swinging back and fourth. He is our only finch that swings on purpose.

lovemyfinch · Post by **lovemyfinch** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 7:12 pm

Beautiful story, brought a tear to my eyes (more like a bucket). Such a beautiful bird.

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Shafttail going blind

Shafttail going blind

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