Hi, I just got a new baby cockatiel that was bred by a friend. She is about 8 weeks old, but her eyes never fully opened. They are open enough for her to see quite well, but it appears that the membrane never fully retracted. Otherwise she is very healthy. Her eyes are clear and bright, and there is no discharge. I haven't seen this before in a bird, have you encountered this? Can I leave her alone or does she require something as drastic as surgery? Thanks a lot for your help!

Kristan

Kristan,

We have an absolutely beautiful whiteface hen that has a similar condition. We also have talked with an avian vet about it, and was advised it was a congenital defect that could possibly be corrected with surgery. We were also advised, even after surgery, that the membrane may grow back, so we have chosen to leave it the way it is.