I found a blind bird (1 Viewer)

[DelSolMan]

Please help me out. I was out throwing out garbage when I notice a finch on the grass that didn't fly away when I walked by. On the way back it made it's way to some bushes where it had a tough time finding a stable branch.

I went closer (it still didn't fly away) and I noticed both of its eyes are closed. I put it in a box, it didn't try to struggle, and brought it inside.

It is now sitting in an upside down box with gaps so it can get air. I own a budgie so I have some budgie seeds so I poured some on the floor. Both eyes are still closed.

I'm surprised as it doesn't look very scared and it only got freaked out when it heard pouring noises from my bag of seeds. It doesn't look weak either.

How would an outdoor bird be blind in both eyes?

Any tips/advice would be great. I was thinking of bringing it to a pet hospital but ideally I would like to release it if it opens it's eyes again.

It's a brown finch and I live in the Vancouver area of British Columbia Canada.

 

[DelSolMan]

update: okay this makes no sense to me

after keeping it inside for about 3 hours it open it's eyes. i was so happy. it could see and it went from standing and not moving to trying to fly out of my box. i could see it's eyes for the first time.

after watching it for about 5 minutes trying to get out of my box I decided to let it go. i brought my box outside and let it loose. it just stood there. i went up to the bird and the eyes are shut solid AGAIN! After letting it free for a while, I brought it back in and now it's eyes are shut again.

i really don't understand.

 

[Jane Turner]

Your bird is very ill. Keep it warm and quiet or better still find a bird rehabber.

If not a virus, it might have suffered brain damage following a collision with a window or car.

 

[DelSolMan]

Thanks. I'm going to phone around to see where I can bring it.

It's sleeping peacefully right now.

edit: this place looks good and it's in my city
http://www.wildliferescue.ca/

 

[TerryK]

I'm guessing Jane Turner is right. It sounds like a collision stunned bird to me.

 

[Robert / Seattle]

I'm wondering if you have a House Finch (common in our area) with conjunctivitis in both eyes. If so, it's easily treated by vets or animal rehab clinics.

Good luck.