Why Do Parrots Tear From One Eye?

In the wild, predators go after the sick and injured first. Because of this, parrots instinctively hide injury and illness. This makes it difficult to recognize when something is wrong with your domesticated bird until it is too late. As such, you need to be ever-vigilant in your observations. If you notice your parrot tearing from one eye, for example, it might be a sign that something else is wrong with his health. Bring any physical or behavioral changes to your vet̵7;s attention.

  1. Ocular Trauma

    • If you notice clear discharge from just one eye, it may be that an injury has occurred to that eye. If your bird has flown or bumped into something that pushed into his eye, the result will be much as it would be if you were poked in the eye -- it will begin to water. If there is no bleeding, and the discharge remains clear and completely stops in 24 hour or less, a visit to the avian vet won̵7;t be necessary. If, however, the injury is obviously more serious or the tearing lasts for more than 24 hours, take a trip to the veterinarian.

    Sinus Mass or Tumor

    • On occasion, tearing from just one eye can be an indication of a sinus mass or tumor. When the mass becomes large enough to put pressure on the ocular cavity, it can cause the eye on that side of the bird̵7;s head to water. If it is a tumor, the discharge will likely not go away within a few hours. Consult an avian veterinarian.

    Allergy or Sinusitis

    • Birds can get allergies and even sinusitis, just like humans can, and the symptoms are very much alike, too. Your bird might sneeze and have discharge from his nose. If the sinus passages on one side of your bird̵7;s airways becomes infected or affected by an allergy, his eye on that side may become a bit swollen and teary. In the case of an infection like sinusitis, the discharge may become cloudy or yellowish. In most instances of sinus-related conditions, both sides of the sinus cavity are affected, but you should take the bird in to be examined by his doctor regardless of whether or not the entire sinus is affected.

    Stress

    • A rare occurrence for parrots is to secrete tears ̵2; and in some cases bloody tears ̵2; when stressed. Avian veterinarians have noted that in instances when a bird is in an unusual circumstance that is stressful, such as when a bird is being restrained for an examination or other medical procedure, tears have been produced. Sometimes it is just from one eye; at other times it is from both eyes. If blood is present in the tears, it is always advisable for the vet to check for ocular, sinus and respiratory problems, to exclude the possibility of an unknown injury or illness.