Sick Bird: Tufted Titmouse with face/eye problem
Additional images:
Taken 12-12-2016, previously mentioned on Feeder Watch checklist for that week as well. Tufted Titmouse seemed lethargic, had trouble with vision, and rubbed eyes a lot on back fence. Also, sat for long periods of time in the open. Not sure what ailment this bird has, could be many avian diseases. A few House Finches were also seen at this same time with swollen eyes.
Categories: Eye problems
Species: Tufted Titmouse
Comments
6 comments on “Sick Bird: Tufted Titmouse with face/eye problem”
My tufted tit has a growth on side of face near eye.should I give it something? Like a antibiotic
Hi Kathy, It is against federal law to handle or treat wild birds unless you’re a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Our best advice to to contact a local rehabber for the best advice regarding the bird. The best thing you can do to prevent the spread of disease is clean your feeders regularly – clean your feeders of all debris and then soak in a bleach solution for at least ten minutes. We have additional information regarding this on our Birds and Bird Diseases webpage. Let us know if you have additional questions at feederwatch@cornell.edu
Hi Kathy, did you ever figure out what this was or if there’s anything that can be done? I believe I have one suffering from the same thing.
thank you and yes I do clean my feeders regularly…. p.s. the tufted titmouse is still alive and feeding…the growth is larger but he or she seems to be fine..the growth is white..and looks like a mini cauliflower which you cannot see the eye…
Hi so my titmouse is having a hard time opening her eyes and walking. What should I do?
Hi Faith, The best thing to do is to take your feeders down to clean them to help prevent the spread of any disease this titmouse may have. Here’s more information on cleaning your feeder, based on the latest research. It is against federal law to handle or treat a wild native bird without proper permits, so if you’re particularly worried about the bird, then please call your local wildlife rehabilitator for advice. If you’re not sure who that is, your state or provincial wildlife office should have a list of those that are federally certified in your state or province.