Hi, I have a lovely blackbird fledgling who seems to be doing well in our garden for the last three days despite the awful weather. I noticed while he was just about the leave the nest he had one bad crusty eye and it does not seem to have improved. The parents are doing a great job feeding him and he looks healthy enough he is getting around the garden. And we are attempting to ward off the magpies and local cats. Has anyone got any idea if I can do anything to help. I have always left nature to itself but I wonder if the bird needs some meds?
Hi Bella welcome to the forum.
I'm afraid there's nothing you can do but leave it alone, if the birds is healthy (other than its eye) you wont be able to catch it without causing it distress..i have a Greenfinch with only one eye and manages quite well.
Regards Alan
My photos are on Flickr and Website
Thank you Alan, I have just checked on him and he looks fine. I'll keep my fingers crossed that he makes it and is able to fly soon and keep out of harms way.
Oh dear that does look nasty is there anyway you could catch it and take it to a vet if you can get that close to photograph it.
Hi Alan, yes I would be able to catch him but I don't know if his parents would abandon him should I take him to my vet, they are feeding him constantly. I am friendly with my vet so I will ring him tomorrow and see what he advises. It would be nice to help the little chap or girl, I'm not sure but we have called him Norman. Thanks for your advice as it has been concerning me.
If it's feeding well it probably isn't feeling ill, i should show the vet the photo if you can and see what they say.
Yes Alan, he does look to be in good health otherwise, I will email my vet the picture and see what he says. Thank you I will let you know how he gets on.
So long as they don't get infected it's surprising what they can put up with..have a look here www.rspb.org.uk/.../519077.aspx
Ahh, Bless him he looks fine now.