How to Apply Eye Drops in a Parrot's Eye

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Have you taken your parrot to the vet where they prescribed eye drops but you’re anxious about putting them in? Not to worry! You will be a pro in no time. Bird eye drops help heal swollen eyes and some eye disorders. By using the eye drops as the prescription directs, your parrot's eye will have the best chance to heal.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Preparing To Administer the Eye Drops

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    Rinse your hands for 10 seconds. [1]
    • Before applying the medication, it's always a good idea to perform this step. You don’t want bacteria on your parrot’s eye because it can worsen its vision.
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    It can be difficult to open the bottle when holding your parrot. You want this to be fast as possible, so your bird won’t be irritated.
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    Your parrot may be moving around when applying the treatment, so having someone around is helpful.
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    The reason why you don't apply the eye drops while your parrot is on the perch is because your parrot will grip the perch with its nails which can harm it.
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    Ensure your parrot’s head is out of the towel.
    • Your parrot will escape if it knows you are approaching with a towel because it is intrusive, so try to do this silently.
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    You should be holding the parrot like you are holding a taco.
    • The towel on the bird should be snug, holding its wings. Don't place your hand on its chest.
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    You want to make sure the area is clean.
    • If discharge is present, clean your parrot's eye with sterile eye wash solution.
    • Place tissue aside and dispose later because you don't want to deal with reinfection.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Applying the Medication

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    However, birds will typically bite on the towel, so for some birds you don't need to hold their chin. This ensures that the medication will be applied precisely in the eye.
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    Don't touch the tip of the bottle or the birds eye to minimize contamination and blinking. Allow ten seconds for the drop to disperse in the parrot’s eye.
    • If your parrot continues to blink, you can apply a drop in the nostril and some will travel to the eye.
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    You should follow your vet's instructions. If you aren't sure, the frequency is printed on the side of the prescription.
    • Some eye drops for specific infections or swelling need to be applied every two hours, once a day, or twice a day. In that case, it's imperative to check the label on the prescription.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Completing the Process

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    Your parrot will think of the treatment as a positive experience and it should be easier to apply eye drops in the future.
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    Ensure the parrot's water bowl is clean as it might have gotten disturbed during the treatment process.
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    Reseal medication to ensure its effectiveness.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I can't find the eye drops that my vet prescribed, but I found similar ones, can I give them to my parrot?
    Community Answer
    It would depend on the ingredients and the concentration of the drops. It would be best to give your vet a call and ask their advice about the product.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question
    What kind of eye drops can I use?
    Community Answer
    It would be best to only give your parrot eye drops that have been prescribed by your vet.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    Can I do this to any bird?
    Starla
    Community Answer
    Birds with sensitive, damaged, or infected eyes shouldn't be given any eye drops unless a vet tells you to do so.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Things You'll Need

      • Medication
      • Small blanket or towel

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/features/handwashing/

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