Hi All,

I think there was a discussion about this in the past but I can't remember
the exact details.
I have been noticing lots of finches with swollen and crusty eyes at the
feeders.  Is that a form of conjuctivitis and are there precautions that
should be taken to prevent the spread?
Some of the birds either don't see me coming or else are unusually sluggish
as they will allow me to get very close and sometimes even touch their
tails.

Jan

Hi Jan, others who might be interested:
I'm too sick to gather up any of my own thoughts on this, but Cornell has a comprehensive site on the eye disease that should help answer any questions you may have.  You might want to start at their FAQ page.  From that page:
What should I do if I see a bird with conjunctivitis?
Take down your feeders and clean them with a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach and 9 parts water). Let them dry completely and then re-hang them. Also, rake underneath the feeder to remove old seed and bird droppings.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/hofi/hofifaqs.html

Patrick Comins, Meriden, CT

What you are seeing is actually a bacterial infection that results in conjunctivitis. The birds are quite sick and will eventually not be able to see to find food and water and will die.  It is highly contagious to other birds.

However, this disease is easily treated and since most birds can be caught every attempt should be made to do so. Removing the sick birds, cleaning and disinfecting the feeders and bird baths, removing any debris on the ground will significantly reduce the occurance.

I would be happy to take any bird you catch.

Anyone with a sick or injured bird please note my contact number is 860-276-8433  Please call verses email as phone messages are checked often , email is not.

Happy New Year!

Jayne Amico/Southington

www.therecoverywing.org